{"id":2011,"date":"2024-01-16T18:11:36","date_gmt":"2024-01-16T23:11:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sunpowerlawncare.com\/?p=2011"},"modified":"2024-01-17T12:55:10","modified_gmt":"2024-01-17T17:55:10","slug":"black-mold-on-crepe-myrtles-7-things-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sunpowerlawncare.com\/black-mold-on-crepe-myrtles-7-things-you-need-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Black Mold on Crepe Myrtles – 7 Things You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Crepe myrtles are a popular landscaping option for many\u00a0Gainesville<\/span><\/a>\u00a0yards. This is true for many reasons, not the least of which is their ability to withstand the local climate while providing year-round color and complementing a well-maintained lawn. However, as a homeowner, one problem you may encounter with them is mold. Like other areas of your home, this is something you\u2019<\/span>ll want to fix right away. So today, let’s explore how to address black mold on your crepe myrtles.<\/p>\n

What do we mean by black mold on crepe myrtles?<\/b><\/h3>\n

Let\u2019<\/span>s start by defining what we\u2019<\/span>re talking about. Have you ever run across a black, \u201c<\/span>sooty\u201d-like substance on your crepe myrtles? If so, this is black mold. Mold can take hold of many different things, ranging from our basements to a ceiling after a leak to various plants including crepe myrtles.<\/p>\n

Mold is nothing more than a fungus. It grows on crepe myrtles because of \u201c<\/span>honeydew.\u201d This is a slick, sugary substance insects frequently leave behind.<\/p>\n

We\u2019<\/span>re all familiar with the idea of mold in our homes. It immediately conjures up images of ripping out drywall and extensive clean-up processes. In the case of your crepe myrtles, it\u2019<\/span>s not such a drastic problem.<\/p>\n

After all, black mold on crepe myrtles isn\u2019<\/span>t a disease. Nor is it a sign of an unhealthy tree. Instead, it\u2019<\/span>s an aesthetic issue, nothing more than the aforementioned byproduct from insects.<\/p>\n

\u201c<\/span>But mold is a health hazard elsewhere!\u201d This is true, and the reason is the black, sooty mold that grows on crepe myrtles is from a different family. Here\u2019<\/span>s an example to better explain this: are all birds the same? Of course not. You have blackbirds and robins and bluebirds and crows and so on. They\u2019<\/span>re related, but distinctly different.<\/p>\n

Mold is very similar, which is why this isn\u2019<\/span>t a health concern. Sooty mold is scientifically known as P. aeruginosa. It lacks the anti-respiratory health issues of Stachybotrys chartarum (\u201c<\/span>traditional\u201d black mold).<\/p>\n

Diving deeper: what does sooty mold look like?\"\"<\/b><\/h3>\n

So how can you be sure what you\u2019<\/span>re dealing with is sooty mold versus normal mold? That\u2019<\/span>s easy: by its appearance. Black, sooty mold on crepe myrtles will look as if the plant was too close to a bonfire. Picture this: you light a candle in your home. Unfortunately, you forgot to trim the wick and now have a discoloration of soot on your ceiling.<\/p>\n

We\u2019<\/span>ve all been there, and usually, if we do it once we don\u2019<\/span>t do it again. Black, sooty mold looks very similar. Often, it\u2019<\/span>s the only sign of imperfection on an otherwise gorgeous tree. Better yet, black sooty mold can often be removed easily, sometimes in layers. More on this in a moment.<\/p>\n

What causes black sooty mold on crepe myrtles?<\/b><\/h3>\n

A little bit ago, we mentioned that black, sooty mold on crepe myrtles is a byproduct of insect activity. The main culprit of black, sooty mold on crepe myrtles in Gainesville is a family of insects called aphids; elsewhere in the country, other insect families are the cause. Aphids eat honeydew, which means that after they digest it the byproduct that\u2019<\/span>s left is this black, sooty mold on your crepe myrtles.<\/p>\n

The spores can be airborne too. Once it takes hold, it\u2019<\/span>ll grow based on various conditions such as heat, humidity, and sun\/shade levels.<\/p>\n

\"aphids<\/b><\/b><\/h3>\n

Wait: what are aphids and do I have them on my crepe myrtles?<\/b><\/h3>\n

Aphids are very small insects. They like to suck sap and are sometimes called black flies. They\u2019<\/span>re also known to reproduce rapidly. Once this species takes hold on a crepe myrtle they\u2019<\/span>ll be visually obvious. Other signs of a growing aphid population are leaves that droop, contain yellow spots, or both.<\/p>\n

Is black sooty mold dangerous for my crepe myrtles?<\/b><\/h3>\n

Again, we want to emphasize that there is a difference between black mold in your home and black, sooty mold on crepe myrtles. Because they come from different scientific families, they\u2019<\/span>re not as similar as you might think.<\/p>\n

So at the most basic level, no, black sooty mold and aphids on your crepe myrtles are not necessarily bad or dangerous for your plant.<\/p>\n

How can I treat black mold on crepe myrtles?<\/b><\/h3>\n

Are you wondering where to begin with removing black mold from your crepe myrtles? If so, that\u2019<\/span>s easy! Just remove the existing mold before attacking the source of the problem: aphids.<\/p>\n

As we mentioned, this can sometimes be as simple as peeling it off. Some chemical cleaners can help, though the most effective way is to work with a\u00a0lawn care professional<\/span><\/a>. This is one reason why some people choose\u00a0regular lawn service in Gainesville, Florida<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Are there any natural ways to treat black mold?<\/b><\/h3>\n

Yes, there is a great step-by-step process to treat black mold on crepe myrtle. Remember, as with any cleaning process, water is your best friend. Just mix natural dish soap into a spray bottle and apply it to the leaves carefully. Then, wipe it off.<\/p>\n

But what about the build-up of insects? You can take care of them naturally too by using horticultural oil or neem oil. These are both non-toxic pesticides. One thing to be mindful of is when you apply them. Both can be photosensitive, so only apply them at night to avoid UV damage to your plants.<\/p>\n

There\u2019<\/span>s another option: you could introduce a natural predator of the aphids to your yard, such as lacewing larvae and ladybugs.<\/p>\n

\"pruning<\/p>\n

Another great way to keep all of these issues at bay is to prune your crepe myrtles\u00a0each February<\/span><\/a>. This will remove any issues from the previous season. Be careful not to prune them too low. We don\u2019<\/span>t recommend anything lower than eight feet.<\/b><\/p>\n

Sun Power Lawn Care can help get rid of black mold on crepe myrtles<\/b><\/h3>\n

If you\u2019<\/span>re looking for an all-in-one solution to take care of mold on crepe myrtles as well as a way to have the best yard in Gainesville, then you\u2019<\/span>ve come to the right place. Our team offers regular\u00a0lawn care<\/span><\/a>\u00a0visits in Gainesville, Florida, and would love to talk with you more about our various services. Just send us a message\u00a0here<\/span><\/a> or call (352) 507-5296 to chat with our sales team today!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Here are some great resources to help your lawn look its best:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

How to Prepare Your Lawn for Spring – Maintenance Tips to Get You Ahead of The Game!<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n