Muskogee Crape Myrtle: Caterpillars & Transplant Stress

Question: New Muskogee crape myrtle leaves yellowing, eaten but no insects seen. Help save it.

Muskogee crape myrtle

Answer: Caterpillars Likely + Transplant Stress

Insect Check

• Few insects attack crape myrtle
• Check leaf undersides closely for caterpillars (few eat lots)
• If found: hand-pick or spray Bt (caterpillar-specific)
• If none: may have migrated to soil
• Broad spray: Sevin (liquid) covers caterpillars & beetles

Yellowing Leaves = Stress

• Water: 1″/week (pan test: sprinkler until 1″ in pan)
• Mulch: 3″ organic, not touching trunk
• No fertilizer year 1
• Water only if no rain

Outlook

Treat insects if present; fix watering/mulching. Tree should recover.