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Crape Myrtle Needs HELP

16 years ago

Hi,

Last week I purchased a 'Natchez' (white) Crape Myrtle, and I'm becoming a little concerned about its health now. It's been in the ground for 4 days now, and I'm noticing that a lot of the leaves are yellowing and becoming very crispy in texture - some leaves are even falling off the tree. I asked the nursery that I bought the tree from and they seem to think it's just a lack of water issue. They very well could be right, but I just thought I'd post the message on this forum to get suggestions from my wonderful friends out there. Right now I'm watering it deeply once a day. Do you think maybe I should increase it to once in the early morning, and once in the late afternoon? Besides watering, what else can you suggest I do to improve the tree's health and appearance? I have pretty good, nutrient-rich, well-drained soil that I mixed compost manure into, as well as Bumper Crop. Is there anything else that you think I should do to help the tree establish strong roots? I may not get much of a show from the tree this year, but my hope is that it'll establish itself before winter, and be good as new next spring. I'd greatly appreciate any suggestions that you could kindly offer me. Thanks!

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Comment (1)

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
16 years ago
are you sure it needs water every day??? please dont drown it.

insert your finger as far as it will go .. and let it nearly dry between waterings ... it needs air in its roots as much as it needs water near its roots... extremes of either are detrimental ...

otherwise.. its going through shock ... and you really don't know how well it was taken care of by the retailer ..

and its fall ... all the leaves will be falling off soon enough ... the stress may have caused an early dormancy ...

just locate and save the receipt for next spring ...

good luck

ken
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