Dealing with Crepe Myrtle Fungus
Learn from expert horticulturists how to deal with Crepe Myrtle fungus. The Crepe Myrtle tree is one of the more popular ornamental flowering shade trees, and in large part this is due to two factors: the beautiful vibrancy of a blossoming Crepe Myrtle tree, and the reputation this tree has for being virtually trouble-free to grow and maintain. The challenge comes in when a Crepe Myrtle tree does begin to show signs of decline, and the puzzled gardener has no idea why. One of the issues that Crepe Myrtle trees can be subject to is fungal illness. When a Crepe Myrtle tree contracts a fungus, there are a number of warning signs that can indicate a probably fungal infection or illness.
Types of Crepe Myrtle Fungus
A Crepe Myrtle tree most commonly contract leaf spot, powdery mildew, or tip blight. All three are fungal diseases common to the Crepe Myrtle tree.
Signs of Crepe Myrtle Fungus
Here are signs of each type of fungal disease that gardeners should watch out for when caring for their Crepe Myrtle tree.
Leaf spot
With Leaf spot, the Crepe Myrtle leaves will begin to show dark brown or yellow patches that will begin to merge as the fungus worsens. Eventually leaves will fall from the tree.
Powdery mildew
With Powdery mildew, the Crepe Myrtle will look "dusty", as if covered with a thick layer of white dust, and leaves will fail to grow properly.
Tip blight
Tip blight causes leaves growing near the tips of Crepe Myrtle branches to turn brown, and then become dotted with black fungal spots.
Treatment for Crepe Myrtle Fungus
Commercially available chemical pesticides are indicated for treatment of Crepe Myrtle fungal diseases. Copper or sulfur fungicides often work the best. In addition, prune out all diseased branches and fallen infected leaves, stems and branches and destroy heavily infected trees.
