Crepe myrtles are a popular landscaping tree in the southern United States, prized for their showy flowers and attractive bark. But crepe myrtles can also suffer from a number of problems, including leaves that turn red. There are three main causes of red leaves on crepe myrtles: sunburn, disease, and pests.
Sunburn is the most common cause of red leaves on crepe myrtles. The trees are native to hot, sunny climates and can tolerate full sun, but they can be damaged by reflected heat from buildings or pavement. Sunburned leaves will appear scorched or browned and may eventually drop off the tree.
To prevent sunburn, choose a planting site with afternoon shade and avoid reflective surfaces near the tree.
Disease is another common cause of red leaves on crepe myrtle trees. Several fungal diseases can affect the trees, causing leaf spots or blotches that may eventually lead to defoliation.
These diseases are often spread by water splashing onto the foliage during rainstorms or irrigation. To prevent disease, choose a planting site with well-drained soil and avoid overhead watering. If you do notice signs of disease, contact a certified arborist or plant pathologist for diagnosis and treatment options.
Crepe myrtle leaves are turning red because of the cooler temperatures, shorter days, and less sunlight. The change in color is due to the process of photosynthesis, which slows down in the fall. As the leaves stop producing chlorophyll, they reveal their true colors.
There are many reasons why crepe myrtle leaves turn red in the fall. One reason is that the temperature starts to cool down and there are shorter days with less sunlight. This change in weather conditions affects the process of photosynthesis, causing the leaves to stop producing chlorophyll and revealing their true colors.
Another reason for this color change could be due to stressors such as drought or insect damage. While these stressors can cause crepe myrtle leaves to turn red prematurely, it’s more likely that they will just result in a lower quality of foliage. Either way, you can enjoy the beautiful display of fall colors from your crepe myrtles before they start dropping their leaves for winter!
All About Crape Myrtles (Growing and Maintaining Crape Myrtles)
What is Wrong With My Crepe Myrtle Tree?
If you have a crepe myrtle tree that isn’t looking its best, there are a few things that could be wrong. Here are some of the most common problems:
1. Not enough sun – Crepe myrtles need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day in order to thrive.
If your tree is in too much shade, it won’t produce as many flowers and its leaves will be less vibrant.
2. Poor drainage – Crepe myrtles need well-drained soil in order to stay healthy. If your tree is sitting in waterlogged soil, its roots will start to rot and it will eventually die.
3. Pest infestation – Aphids, scale insects, and other pests can wreak havoc on a crepe myrtle tree if left unchecked. These pests suck the sap from the leaves and branches, causing the foliage to turn yellow and drop off. If you see any signs of pests on your tree, be sure to treat them right away with an insecticide or horticultural oil.
4. Diseases – Crepe myrtles are susceptible to a number of diseases, including powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot. These diseases can cause the leaves to turn brown and fall off prematurely, so it’s important to keep an eye out for any early warning signs such as discoloration or spots on the leaves.
Can Soil Change the Color of Crepe Myrtle?
It is possible for soil to change the color of crepe myrtle. Acidic soils can cause the leaves of crepe myrtle to turn yellow, while alkaline soils can cause them to turn purple. The flowers of crepe myrtle can also be affected by the pH of the soil, with acidic soils causing them to be more pink in color and alkaline soils causing them to be more lavender in color.
What Can I Spray on Crepe Myrtle Fungus?
When it comes to crepe myrtle fungus, there are a few different types that can affect your trees. The most common type is black spot, which appears as dark spots on the leaves of your tree. Other types of fungus include powdery mildew and leaf spot.
If you notice any of these fungi on your crepe myrtle, it’s important to take action immediately. The first step is to identify the type of fungus and then treat it accordingly. Black spot can be treated with fungicides that contain carbaryl or mancozeb.
For powdery mildew, you can use sulfur-based fungicides. And for leaf spot, copper-based fungicides are typically effective.
It’s also important to take preventive measures to reduce the chances of your crepe myrtle getting fungi in the first place.
This includes planting them in well-draining soil and pruning away any dead or dying branches. You should also avoid overhead watering, which can promote fungal growth.
Can You Overwater a Crape Myrtle?
Yes, you can overwater a crape myrtle. This is because the roots of the plant are very shallow, so they don’t have access to a lot of water. If you water the plant too much, the roots will start to rot and the plant will die.
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How to Treat Cercospora Leaf Spot on Crepe Myrtles
Cercospora leaf spot is a common problem on crepe myrtles. The spots are small and brown, and they can appear on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. There are several ways to treat this disease, but the most effective method is to use a fungicide.
Fungicides will kill the fungus that causes the disease, and they can also prevent new infections from occurring. When using a fungicide, be sure to follow the directions on the label carefully.
Conclusion
Crepe myrtles are a popular Southern tree known for their showy flowers and long-lasting color. But why do the leaves turn red in fall? There are three possible reasons:
1. It could be due to a lack of chlorophyll, which gives leaves their green color. Fall is a time when trees are preparing for winter and they may not produce as much chlorophyll.
2. The red color could also be caused by anthocyanins, which are pigments that protect the leaves from sun damage.
3. Finally, it’s possible that the tree is simply reacting to changes in temperature or light levels as autumn arrives.
