Q.Crepe myrtles
How can I tell if my crepe myrtles are alive? I planted them last fall, but there are no sprouts, leaves or buds yet.

Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Crepe myrtles grow leaves later than most other trees, but yours should have buds already. It is probably still recovering from being transplanted, so be patient and it will probably begin growing later in spring or summer.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/crepe-myrtle/crepe-myrtle-not-leafing-out.htm
You can also check whether the tree is dead or alive using this test:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/tree-scratch-test.htm