Branches falling off Crape Myrtle trees

Question

I live in a small neighborhood where every other house has a Crape Myrtle Tree. This year for some reason, large amounts of flowering branches just fall off the trees onto the ground. We’re located about 25 miles North of Atlanta. We can’t detect any diseased areas but something weird is going on. I’m hoping someone can explain to our neighbor’s why entire (flowering) branches keep falling down?
Thank you!
Joan

Answer 1

If the Crepe Myrtle have been pruned, this can lead to weak stems.
It's often referred to as Crepe Murder.

Over fertilizing can also lead to weak stems. Your Crepe Myrtle needs very little fertilizer.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/crepe-myrtle/crepe-myrtle-care.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/crepe-myrtle/best-crepe-myrtle-pruning-time-when-to-prune-crepe-myrtle.htm