Crepe Myrtle tree turning black - Ask Extension
Last year I had some type of bees all over my crepe myrtle trees. Since then I noticed the bark on the tree is turning black. Do you think the two are...
Knowledgebase
Crepe Myrtle tree turning black #894226
Asked March 12, 2025, 2:05 PM EDT
Last year I had some type of bees all over my crepe myrtle trees. Since then I noticed the bark on the tree is turning black. Do you think the two are connected and if so what actions should be taken.
Thanks,
Jefferson County Alabama
Expert Response
Mr. Grissom,
It sounds like your crapemyrtle has crapemyrtle bark scale. It feeds on the trunks of trees, excreting honeydew. Sooty mold grows on the honeydew, turning the bark black.
Control options are available. I suggest utilizing both cultural and chemical since the scale can be hard to eradicate.
You can follow this link for a full list of options:
Crapemyrtle Bark Scale | Home & Garden Information Center
It sounds like your crapemyrtle has crapemyrtle bark scale. It feeds on the trunks of trees, excreting honeydew. Sooty mold grows on the honeydew, turning the bark black.
Control options are available. I suggest utilizing both cultural and chemical since the scale can be hard to eradicate.
You can follow this link for a full list of options:
Crapemyrtle Bark Scale | Home & Garden Information Center
