Question
I have 2 crape myrtles (in a 4 yr old development) which have a large amount of fungus on their bark. There are flat growths, fuzzy lichen type growths, even air plants and Spanish moss. Other  crape myrtles in our development have pretty, smooth bark. Mine have ugly bark. How can I remove the stuff growing on the bark? I know it's not harmful, but I hate the appearance. I live in St Augustine. The trees get lots of sun and water and are well mulched. Thank you.

Answer
Hi Anne,  You may have a variety of myrtle that attracts more of the problems than your neighbors have.  To me, the only time myrtles look good is when they are blooming, so I keep then hidden behind other plants so you do not know it is there the rest of the year.  I read in one report that removing the mulch may help.  kathy