Crepes Have White Mold-Looking Spots

Question

Our crepes have white mold-looking spots on the branches and the branches are black. The leaves look healthy and the trees are budding.

Answer 1

It does sound like Sooty Mold.
This can be caused by Aphids.
I recommend a treatment with Neem Oil.

Here are links with more information.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/crepe-myrtle/crepe-myrtle-tree-problems.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/how-to-get-rid-of-sooty-mold.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm