Why Does My Crepe Myrtle Lose leaves?

Question

My crepe myrtle loses leaves, then starts growing again, then looks dead, but is not. It has black going half way down limb. What is wrong?

Answer 1

It is possible that your crepe myrtle has sooty mold. Here is an article or two that you may find helpful: 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