Question
David, I live in  Birmingham, Alabama.  For the past 3 years my crapes have
developed sticky leaves, I think from aphids? I tried a pesticide last Feb, applied
at the roots then watered. No good.  What do you recommend?  Help!!

Answer
It sounds like you have correctly diagnosed the problem.  Aphids and other sucking insects cause sooty mold to form on the leaves and the leaves will be sticky.  Your insecticide treatment was also correct.  My suggestion is to wait until the plants are leafed out almost to maturity, then try applying the insecticide.  The Bayer Advanced Tree and Shrub Product should work very well.  It is systemic, but the plant needs to be actively growing to take it up from the soil.  Application in Feb may have been too early and rain could have washed it out of the root zone too quickly.  Let me know your thoughts.  Good Luck.