Is White Cotton Substance Coming From Crepe Myrtle Normal?

Question

I have two young crepe myrtles that I planted about 1 1/2 years ago. They are putting on new leaves, etc. However, I just noticed a white cotton like substance coming out from notch like places along the trunk and some branches. It is also coming from the base of some leaves. Is this normal? I have a larger crepe myrtle in my front yard that I never noticed this happening to. However, it was already planted when I bought my house and I never saw it as young as these plants are.

Answer 1

It sounds like the trees have spider mites. This article will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/spider-mite-detection-and-spider-mite-natural-control.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/spider-mite-treatment.htm