What Is The Sesame Seed Looking Disease On My Crepe Myrtle Trees?

Question

I have three white blooming crepe myrtles that are close to 20 years old. They are 30 to 25 feet tall and bloomed this spring. They have very recently developed a sesame seed pattern on the drunks after the limbs have pealed away. They are planted near a 5 ft. High privacy fence where there are 30 ft cedar growing on the back side of the fence.

• 
• 

Answer 1

This could be caused by a fungal infection called Crape Myrtle Bark Scale. CMBS is a common pest that affects crape myrtle trees and can cause dark spots on the trunk. The dark spots are actually the scales of the insects, while the white surrounding them is the wax they produce for protection. CMBS can weaken the tree and lead to other issues if left untreated. Neem oil and a fungicide to mitigate the damage caused will be recommended.

It is important to not that they only live 20 to 30 years on average, with some specimens living up to 50 years, depending on care.

These articles will help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/azadirachtin-vs-neem-oil.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/control-plant-scale.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/crepe-myrtle