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 Post subject: Crepe Myrtle Leaves
PostPosted: Sun Aug 05, 2012 7:02 pm 
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The leaves on my crepe myrtle are turning yellow and falling off. They feel sticky and in looking at the tree I can see that the remaining leaves are also sticky. This tree is fairly large and about five years old. Can anyone offer any suggestions as to what this might be?


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 Post subject: Re: Crepe Myrtle Leaves
PostPosted: Sun Aug 05, 2012 8:25 pm 
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Joined: Wed Jul 02, 2003 8:09 pm
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Location: Fort Worth,TEXAS
Tell us where you are (you can add that to your member information for future questions also) and if you have a digital camera, would you take a few photos? We need as close as you can get to healthy leaves and sick leaves, we need a look at the woody branches, and a fairly close view of the base of the plants.

How much are you watering? Do you fertilize? Have you been gardening organically (soil amendments, planting so it is not too deep in the ground, using organic fertilizers, compost tea, etc.?)

How long has this been going on?

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 Post subject: Re: Crepe Myrtle Leaves
PostPosted: Mon Aug 06, 2012 5:40 am 
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Location: Dallas,TEXAS
Sticky leaves are caused by aphids. You'll probably also notice ants running around. They are there because of the aphids. You can spray the tree with water or a plant wash and this winter, use a dormant oil on it to prevent them and scale.

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 Post subject: Re: Crepe Myrtle Leaves
PostPosted: Mon Aug 06, 2012 7:52 am 
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The aphids are present because the plant is in stress, so in addition to spraying the aphids off with a strong jet of water, please answer the questions I asked. That will help us advise about how to treat the entire plant to eliminate whatever is not right in how it is planted or what it is planted in.

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 Post subject: Re: Crepe Myrtle Leaves
PostPosted: Wed Aug 08, 2012 6:44 pm 
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I am in the Austin area. I am trying to use only organic products but don't know how the tree was planted as it was here when I moved in (four years ago). I am unable to post a picture. I will try to use high water pressure to wash it off and will check for aphids. Thanks for the help.


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