Black Leaves on Crape Myrtle

Question

We have several crape myrtles on our church grounds. Also, the church is in Orange Beach, AL and is about 1. 5 miles from the Gulf Coast. They are approximately ten feet tall and they do not have many leaves on them. The leaves that are on them have some type of black stuff (mold or fungi) on them. What can be done to save these trees? Will pruning and spraying with some type of fungicide cure them and allow them to thrive? Need to save all of these trees. . . would cost quite a bit to replace because we have about 75 on the property.

Answer 1

This is sooty mold, a common problem with crepe myrtle trees. Here is an article that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/how-to-get-rid-of-sooty-mold.htm