Will crape myrtle roots destroy a concrete wall or foundation?

crape myrtles are about 10feet tall planted around a concrete block septic tank, concerned about the roots breaking down the foundation or wall or getting into the septic system

Will crape myrtle roots destroy a concrete wall or foundation?
Their roots are not too big so they should not hurt a sidewalk or foundation. That's why landscapers use them in openings in parking lots and close to walkways. You should be fine with them close.
Reply:No - Crape Myrtles have a short root system and love the sun. You should have no problems - however if you plant a large tree, you are in for a rude awakening -
Reply:I don't think so. A professional landscaper put several around the foundation of our new house a few years ago.





Being a relatively small tree, I think you're safe. If there are no leaks in the septic system wall you're fine.





Good luck. They're beautiful trees.

What is the natural enemy of Japanese Beatles. My Crape Myrtle is being eaten alive!?

I have used Ortho Max, emptied the whole bottle on the Crape Myrtle and they still come. I used the bag with the sent inside to attract them and got so many beatles that I couldn't deal with it. Bags of beatles is not for me. I was told about other chemical remedies, however, I would prefer getting Praying Mantis or something natural to deal with the problem if possible.

What is the natural enemy of Japanese Beatles. My Crape Myrtle is being eaten alive!?
spray all of your plants with SEVIN (garden center) that is the only thing I have found that works
Reply:Finnish Monkees. Belgian Beach Boys. Russian Stones.
Reply:ladybugs will work fine too.

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How do I prune a crape myrtle?

It's the middle of summer (2 more months of 90+ degrees) and I want to prune my crape myrtle for next yr. I've read opposing "tips" on how to and when. What worked best for you?

How do I prune a crape myrtle?
Wait until February/March and prune them back. Typically, I cut them back just below the flower stalks and then even out the rest. Prune them just above an emerging future bud.
Reply:i waited til they were done blooming
Reply:You don't want to prune them now. Wait until they are dormant (winter) and do it then. Pruning in blooming season will cause them to be more susceptible to disease and insects.

Any info about Dynamite Crape Myrtle tree?

I planted a Dynamite Crape Myrtle 3 months ago, now the leaves are turning redish, and the plant doesn't seem to be growing. What's wrong with my tree?? I live in Florida (zone 10)

Any info about Dynamite Crape Myrtle tree?
redish = normal *new* leaf growth


You will not see any or almost any new growth on a newly planted tree in only 3 months

How to maintenance a Crape Myrtle plant ?

I have Crape Myrtle plants in my backyard about 2 years old and I do not have idea how I can cut or trim them in this time, be ready grow for this summer

How to maintenance a Crape Myrtle plant ?
Give plant a thorough soaking around Nov. 1st.• Place 2’ wire fence cylinder around the plant in Mid-November and fill with dry leaves to insulate stems and root stock over winter.• When temperature moderates (usually toward Mid-April) remove wire cylinder and leaves. Keep a 3” layer of bark mulch around the base.• When plant starts to show new growth, trim off any branches that are dead, back to the new growth.• Fertilize mid to late spring with a high phosphorus fertilizer.• Since Crape Myrtle forms flowers on the new seasons growth, do not trim Crape Myrtle after the new growth starts appearing in early spring.
Reply:Check with your local garden shop. Plants thrive differently in different parts of the country. In my area, the crape myrtle is raised as a low hedge, and or allowed to grow to its' highest point. My mothers' crape myrtle stand 20 to 25 feet tall, forming an arbor path over her drive way. When in bloom, it's a very pretty scene

How to maintenance a Crape Myrtle plant ?

I have Crape Myrtle plants in my backyard about 2 years old and I do not have idea how I can cut or trim them in this time, be ready grow for this summer

How to maintenance a Crape Myrtle plant ?
!they are very easy plants to grow and hardly needs attention! and they dont have to be trimmed in any particular way!
Reply:Crapemyrtles are such a great plant for their color in the fall and their lengthy bloom time. It's not important whether you prune in the fall or prior to spring growth. The one thing to keep in mind is NOT TO DEHORN. That means, do not prune back into larger, major trunks of the plants. As mentioned earlier, trim back from the ends of the small bloom pods appx. 8-24 inches. This will give a manicured look and keep spent bloom pods from distracting from the next years blooms. In the spring, fertilize with a high phosphorous plant food according to manufacturers suggestions. If your crapemyrtle ceases blooming in the summer months, it is needing a good watering and you will see the blooms re-appear in a couple of days.
Reply:It is probably a little early to trim them this year. I would wait until end of Feb. or early march depending on cold vs. warm climates. When you do, you can do two things- 1. to keep them relatively short, cut back all but the major branches 8-12". 2. To let them get taller, simply trim off all of the tiny balls/seed looking things and simply trim off the ends of major and secondary branches. I am no expert, but I read all of this a couple years ago and have had good result since.

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How do i revive a wilting crape myrtle plant?

I bought a country crape myrtle plant a few feet high a few weeks ago. I planted it in my backyard here in texas. I watered it everday like it said, put root stimulater, and potting soil mixed with the dirt. Now its wilting. What am i doing wrong? How can i revive it? The leaves are still nicely green but wilted.

How do i revive a wilting crape myrtle plant?
u shouldn't have fertilized it till it was established! cut back the water to once a week... even though it's a new plant! if it don't recover within a few days.. take it back up and put it back in it's original container to let it dry out... then retry planting... without so much water!
Reply:Crape Myrtles are tough trees-- make sure you aren't over watering or over fertilizing it. That will cause the plant to wilt and/or burn.
Reply:It sounds like you may be over watering it. Have you guys had a lot of rain lately?