Unhealthy Crape Myrtle
Hi,
We have a Crape Myrtle Natchez tree. It was planted last year (zip code 27519) in July by the builder’s landscaper. Since then during the growing season, it gets water from rain. When it doesn’t rain, it gets water two times a week from a sprinkler hose which goes through the gap in its trunks and through our yard. The sprinkler hose is really for the grass. Since last year was the first year, we would also fill a gator bag once a week at least as recommended by the builder. Not doing it this year.
The leaves came this year, but generally speaking the tree doesn’t look healthy. The leaves have an orangish brown color. Some leaves have been skeletonized. When I looked at it closer a couple of days back, it had a Japanese beetle and a Mexican bean beetle. I sprayed it with Sevin Insect killer and don’t see the bugs anymore. There is no sign of a large infestation. I also applied a slow release 16-4-8 fertilizer a week back which I realize how was not applied correctly because I simply spread it around the trunk. Our grass gets fertilizer about every 6 weeks through an annual maintenance program. I don’t think I saw new buds on the tree. The ones on the tree appear to be on dead twigs and the buds themselves are dry and dead. There are three plants at the bottom of the tree. From online search, they appear to be hillside creepers. Two of them were in bad shape last year and looked like they were dead, but they came back although still not quite full yet. The location of the tree should allow it to get sun for more than hours. The drainage is also good in that there is no standing water nearby. There may be some immediately after a storm, but it drains off not very long after. The tree is about 10 feet tall and the soil is clayey.
I am wondering what I should do to restore the health of the tree this season. The leaves of the tree are not deep green and full as of several of my neighbors’. Also, I think it should already be flowering now. When I drive in my town, the crape myrtles are flowering everywhere. Although the curious thing is I haven’t seen any of my neighbors’ tree flowering, except one. Not sure if that has to do with the age of the tree.
Any help will be appreciated.
Lalit
Comments (5)
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
Related Professionals
Charlotte Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Santa Maria Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Durango Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Atlanta Landscape Contractors · Dayton Landscape Contractors · Duluth Landscape Contractors · Rochester Landscape Contractors · Sioux Falls Landscape Contractors · Las Vegas Landscape Contractors · College Station Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · McComb Landscape Contractors · Concord Landscape Contractors · Middletown Home Additions · Taunton Home Additions · Detroit Home AdditionsJilly
Lalit GoelOriginal Author
Lalit GoelOriginal Author