Q.Crepe Myrtles
How do you tell if a crepe myrtle tree is dead? I received two crepe myrtles for a gift last August. I planted them and watered them. Now this year they are just bare. The limbs and trunk are flexible (not easily broken).

Certified GKH Gardening Expert
You may want to give it some more time before giving up on these plants. It could be they’re just slow to ‘come out.’ If they haven’t shown any signs of life by summer (meaning no leafing), chances are they did not survive the initial planting.
This article will help you determine if the trees are dead or just slow to come out: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/how-to-tell-if-a-plant-is-dead-and-how-to-recover-an-almost-dead-plant.htm