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Top Questions About Wax Myrtle Trees

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Questions About Wax Myrtle Trees

  • Answered by
    Heather on
    March 26, 2011
    Certified Expert
    A.

    You can prune them back by about 1/3 per year without killing the plant. That being said, if they are very overgrown, you may find that the interior of the shrub is rather dead from lack of light. Because of this, when you prune them back by 1/3, they may not look very nice. It is worth going ahead and trying to prune them, but be prepared to find that it would look nicer if you just replaced them.

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  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    October 23, 2011
    Certified Expert
  • Answered by
    Heather on
    September 16, 2012
    Certified Expert
    A.

    There are many things that could be wrong with it. Borers are a possibility. This article may be helpful in determining if it is borers:
    https://extension.colostate.edu/pubs/insect/05530.html

    This article will name some other diseases or pests that might be affecting it:
    http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/GARDEN/PLANTS/waxmyrtle.html

    In general, if you are unable to pinpoint what is wrong, I would recommend treating the plant with neem oil. It is both a fungicide and a pesticide and will treat many issues that could possibly be wrong.

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  • Answered by
    Heather on
    October 6, 2012
    Certified Expert
    A.

    It sounds like it may have a root problem of some kind. I would check the roots for a root rot. This article may be helpful:
    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/root-rot-in-garden-plants.htm

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  • Answered by
    shelley on
    April 11, 2015
    Certified Expert
    A.

    Is this the common wax myrtle or the dwarf variety? It would help my diagnosis of your problem if you could provide additional information on what is happening to the trees. Anything unusual about the leaves, bark, etc.? Any signs of insect infestations? Has the demise followed some cold harsh weather? Tell me about your care of the tree in terms of watering, fertilizing and pruning.

    To help continued growth, I would recommend you follow the guidelines in the following articles:
    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/wax-myrtle/

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  • Answered by
    shelley on
    August 10, 2015
    Certified Expert
    A.

    Yes - I would recommend staking your trees to prevent them from flopping over. Here is an article that will guide you on how to stake them:

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/straighten-tree.htm

    Happy gardening!

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  • Answered by
    Downtoearthdigs on
    November 30, 2016
    A.

    To grow an unbroken hedge you should space the plants no further apart then their mature spread.
    This is usually about 20 to 25 feet.
    If each plant reaches 20 feet and spreads 10 feet on either side; two hedges will eventually meet in the middle of a 20 foot spacing.
    You can plant closer together--7 to 12 feet without any harm and they will form a more tight hedge.

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