What should I do if my crape myrtle tree has black leaves? The approach is key!

The reason why the crape myrtle tree has black leaves

Generally speaking, there are two possible reasons why the crape myrtle tree grows black leaves. One is a normal plant growth phenomenon, which is the so-called pigment precipitation. There is no need to worry about this reason and no need to take any measures.

The other is more serious. If sooty mold occurs, the leaves will appear black. Sooty mold is caused by a chain reaction of pest infection. The insect excrement adheres to the surface of the leaves. Long-term attachment leads to an outbreak of bacteria, and the leaves gradually turn black, affecting the appearance and health of the crape myrtle tree. Over time, it will seriously harm the growth of the plant and eventually lead to the death of the plant.

How to deal with black leaves

Horticultural control

First of all, we need to check the planting density of the crape myrtle trees and the density of individual leaves, and make a more reasonable density layout and adjustment. Good light transmittance and air permeability can reduce the spread of the disease and the incidence rate. Secondly, we need to remove diseased branches and leaves in time. It is okay to cut off some unimportant branches and leaves. We also need to clean up the secretions left by pests to prevent the disease from being induced again.

Drug prevention

Use medicines purchased from regular channels to spray the diseased plants, treating both the disease and the insect pests at the same time, eliminating both pests at the same time and eradicating the roots of the disease. Please refer to the instruction manual for usage to avoid damage.