Danny’s Do’s & Don’ts: Crape Myrtle Bark Scale

 

 

 

As many of you know, Crape Myrtle Scale is a controllable pest and can be prevented from turning a beautiful tree into a black coated, sad looking tree. We’ve had lots of people inquiring about when to apply the drench, so here’s the Do’s and Don’ts of preventing and treating Crape Myrtle Scale.
 

 

Do:

• Apply the drench AFTER the tree is out of dormancy – wait until you see some leaves on the tree.

• Measure the larger trunks circumference (distance around the trunk) at chest height and add the totals together to determine total circumference.

• Mix the drench according to directions using the total circumference of the tree

• Pour the water/drench mix around the base of the trunk.
 

 

Don’t:

• Apply the drench AFTER the tree has flowered – it can be harmful to the bee population.

• Scrimp on the amount used – if the tree is under-dosed, it will not be effective.

• Worry about measuring the water exactly, it can be gallon-ish.

• Forget to do this annually, it’s so easy and turns sad trees into happy trees (to quote Bob Ross).