Crepe myrtles are a beautiful tree that is known for its vibrant colors. However, sometimes crepe myrtles can turn black. There are three main causes of this problem: disease, pests, and environmental stressors.
Disease is the most common cause of crepe myrtle turning black. The two most common diseases that affect crepe myrtles are powdery mildew and sooty mold. These diseases can be caused by too much moisture in the environment or by not enough sunlight.
Pests can also cause crepe myrtle to turn black. The most common pest that affects these trees is scale. Scale insects suck the sap out of the leaves, which can lead to blackening of the foliage.
Environmental stressors such as drought, frost damage, or sunburn can also cause crepe myrtle to turn black.
Crepe myrtles are a beautiful flowering tree that is popular in many southern states. Unfortunately, they are sometimes affected by a condition called black leaf spot. This disease causes the leaves of the tree to turn black and eventually fall off.
The cause of black leaf spot is not fully understood, but there are three possible explanations:
1) Poor air circulation around the tree. If the tree is planted in an area with poor air circulation, this can lead to fungal growth and the development of black leaf spot.
2) Excess moisture on the leaves. Moist conditions are ideal for fungal growth, so if the leaves of the crepe myrtle are constantly wet (from rain or irrigation), this can contribute to the development of black leaf spot.
3) Use of nitrogen-rich fertilizer.
Nitrogen encourages lush growth in plants, but it can also promote fungal growth. So using a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen could potentially lead to black leaf spot problems.
Table of Contents
How do I control black mold and aphids on my Crape Myrtles?
Why are My Crape Myrtles Turning Black?
Crape myrtles are one of the most popular trees in the southern United States. They are known for their beautiful flowers and their ability to tolerate heat and drought. However, crape myrtles can sometimes develop a problem called black leaf spot.
Black leaf spot is caused by a fungus called Gloeosporium aridum. This fungus infects the leaves of the tree, causing them to turn black. The spots eventually coalesce and the leaves turn completely black and fall off the tree.
Black leaf spot is most common during wet weather or when the tree is under stress from drought or other environmental factors.
If your crape myrtle has black leaf spot, it is important to remove any affected leaves from the ground around the tree. This will help prevent the spread of the disease.
You can also treat the tree with a fungicide to help control the spread of the disease.
How Do You Get Rid of Black Fungus on Crepe Myrtles?
If you have black fungus on your crepe myrtles, don’t worry – it’s a common problem and there are several things you can do to get rid of it. Here are a few tips:
– Prune away any affected branches.
This will help to prevent the spread of the fungus.
– Apply a fungicide specifically designed for black fungus. Be sure to follow the directions carefully.
– Water your crepe myrtles regularly, as this will help to prevent the fungus from taking hold in the first place.
How Do You Remove Mould from Sooty?
Mould can be a difficult problem to solve, especially when it appears in hard-to-reach places like behind sooty. While mould removal products are available commercially, many of these contain harsh chemicals that can be damaging to both you and the environment. A better solution is to use natural mould removal methods that are not only effective but also safe for both you and your home.
One natural way to remove mould is by using white vinegar. Vinegar is a mild acid which makes it effective at killing mould spores. To use this method, simply mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle and spritz onto the affected area.
Let the mixture sit for an hour before wiping away with a damp cloth. You may need to repeat this process several times to completely remove the mould.
Another natural way to get rid of mould is by using tea tree oil.
Tea tree oil has natural antifungal properties that make it effective at combating mould growth. Simply add a few drops of tea tree oil to a spray bottle filled with water and spritz onto the affected area. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes before wiping away with a damp cloth or rinsing with water.
Why Does My Crepe Myrtle Look Burnt?
If your crepe myrtle looks burnt, it’s likely because it’s suffering from a condition called leaf scorch. Leaf scorch is caused by a number of different factors, including drought, excessive heat, and even disease. While leaf scorch doesn’t kill the tree, it can certainly make it look unsightly.
If you think your crepe myrtle has leaf scorch, the best thing to do is to give it some extra TLC – water deeply and regularly (especially during periods of drought), make sure it’s getting enough nutrients, and protect it from harsh sunlight or wind. With a little bit of care, your crepe myrtle will soon be looking as good as new!
Credit: gardendownsouth.com
How to Get Rid of Black Sooty Mold on Crepe Myrtle
If you have black sooty mold on your crepe myrtle, don’t despair! Although it’s unsightly, this fungus is not harmful to the plant. The good news is that it’s relatively easy to get rid of.
Here’s what you need to do:
1. Start by pruning away any affected leaves. This will help reduce the amount of mold spores in the air and also make it easier for you to treat the remaining foliage.
2. Next, mix up a solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water. Use a garden sprayer to apply this mixture to all of the crepe myrtle’s leaves, making sure to coat both sides evenly.
3. Let the solution sit on the leaves for 15 minutes before rinsing it off with clean water from a hose or bucket.
Conclusion
There are three main reasons why crepe myrtles may turn black: disease, pests, or environment.
Disease is the most common cause of blackening leaves on crepe myrtles. The two most common diseases are sooty mold and powdery mildew.
Sooty mold is a fungus that grows on the honeydew secreted by insects such as aphids and scale. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects all types of plants, including crepe myrtles. It appears as white powdery spots on the leaves and can eventually lead to leaf drop.
Pests can also cause crepe myrtles to turn black. Aphids, scale, and mealybugs are all common pests that feed on crepe myrtle leaves and secrete honeydew, which leads to sooty mold growth. Black twig borers are another type of pest that bores into the stems of crepe myrtles, causing them to turn black.
Finally, environmental stressors such as drought or excessive sun exposure can also cause crepe myrtle leaves to turn black. Drought stress causes the leaves to become dry and brittle, while sun stress bleaches the chlorophyll from the leaves, making them appear black.
