Crepe Myrtle Problem

Question

I have 5 crepe myrtle trees, which have a white powdery substance on them. After a short time, a black substance appears on the leaves. I have had this problem for a couple of years and have sprayed them with several different things, but nothing seems to get rid of it. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

The white powdery substance is powdery mildew and can be treated with neem oil. Here is more info: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/get-the-cure-for-powdery-mildew.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/problems/pests/neem-oil-uses.htm The black substance sounds like a sooty mold issue, most often brought on by pests. Neem oil can also be used to get rid of the pests as well as the fungus This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/how-to-get-rid-of-sooty-mold.htm