Time to Protect your Crape Myrtles

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NOW’S THE TIME TO PROTECT YOUR CRAPE MYRTLES

PINEVILLE, N.C. – In the midst of winter, a leading tree care company is encouraging residents to protect their crape myrtles before an annoying insect can do its damage.
Nathan Morrison, a certified arborist and co-owner of Arborscapes in Pineville, pulls no punches when it comes to the crape myrtle bark scale:
“It’s gross,” he says.
CMBS, as it’s known, feeds on crape myrtles and other trees, shrubs and plants, including boxwoods. About the time warmer weather arrives in March and April, it makes its presence known by leaving sticky, sugary deposits known as honeydew. You’ll recognize it when you see or feel it, especially if it falls onto your patio furniture. Next comes a layer of dark, sooty mold. CMBS doesn’t kill a tree, Morrison says, but it makes it more susceptible to age, drought and other insects.
Now is the time to engage a certified arborist to take preventive measures to protect against CMBS, Morrison advises. Doing a systemic soil treatment starting in February, he says, can protect your trees and greenery through the entire growing season.
As with all living things that bring beauty to our yards and homes, addressing a problem before it starts is the way to go – before the honeydew rears its gooey head.
“My message to the public is, ‘Don’t let your guard down,’” Morrison says.

ABOUT ARBORSCAPES: Founded in 2001, Arborscapes offers tree care; landscape design and installation; landscape maintenance, and tree and plant health care. Have a question about crape myrtle bark scale or something else? Want to schedule an appointment with a certified arborist? Visit www.arborscapes.net, call (704) 525-7148 or email office@arborscapes.net.