Question
I live in Northern Ohio.  Last year I brought a Crepe Myrtle from Virgina and planted it in my back yard.  During the winter, I covered the base with leaves and surrounded it with plastic bags as a shield from the wind.  This spring it appeared dead but then started to sprout.  No flowers though but lots of branches and leaves.  It is only about 3 feet tall.  Are these srouts just wild things comming from the roots and main branch or it is going to live some day?  How do I treat it this fall?

Answer
Dennis,
Crepe Myrtles are somewhat sensitive to cold temperatures. I think that you did some damage to the tree when you used the plastic bags over the tree. The plastic would not have let the tree breathe and would have caused a greenhouse effect as the plastic heated up from the winter sun, this heat would have been transfered to the air inside, which could have fooled the tree into thinking that it was warmer than it actually was.
Since itis showing some recovery, I would recommend that you fertilize the tree this fall and wrap it in burlap to protect the plant through the winter months.
Good luck.
Ed Gulliksen