Posted by MEADOW VIEW on June 04, 19100 at 21:45:53:
In Reply to: Crape Myrtle trees &; bushes seem to be dying posted by Edie on June 01, 19100 at 15:48:39:
: I have two crape myrtle trees and two Zuni crape myrtle bushes that were planted when my new house was landscaped last July. The leafs on the trees are getting dark green spots on them, then they turn an orange/rust color with mottled green, then the whole leaf turns rust/red and falls off the tree like in winter. The leafs leave a gritty silica feel on my fingers when I feel them. The nurseryman said they were getting too much water (they are planted with grass surrounding that requires 58 min of water a week) and wants to replace them with a Bradford Pear. Today I noticed a few leafs mottled on my otherwise healthy to date Zuni bushes which are up on mounds and should have better drainage. Does it sound like a fungus or insect? Even the Agricultural Dept can't tell me what is wrong. Any ideas? Thanks.
EDIE: Check the soil around the plants that are struggling for moisture. If the soil is wet do not let the irrigation come on for the lawn. You may be applying much more water than is necessary, I see this in my neighborhood.
ONLY WATER WHEN THE SOIL DRIES DOWN. This cannot be over stated. I'm sorry, but the soil does not dry out based on a clock. Weather conditions, and the season of the year determine how much and when to water. If the soil is soaking wet and is not permitted to "dry down" the roots will rot and the top of the plant will show the symptoms. MVG Plant Dr.