10/19/2026
How To Recognize Crape Myrtle Bark Scale:
Crape myrtles are practically the official shrub of Texas summers.
They line streets, shopping centers, and front yards from Dallas, San Anton to Houston, blooming through heat that would flatten most plants. But fall is when the real work begins.
As the leaves start to drop, a crape myrtle’s trunk and branches come into full view. That’s important, because one of the biggest threats to these trees hides right there in plain sight. It was first discovered in the U.S. right here in Texas, and it has been spreading ever since.
Left unchecked, it can weaken trees, reduce blooms, and leave trunks looking grimy and stained. A few minutes of attention this fall can stop small problems before they turn into big one’s next summer.
Your crape myrtles have worked hard all season.
Now it’s their turn for a little care!
Ten minutes. That is about all it takes to protect a tree you’ve enjoyed for years. Before fall wraps up, walk out to your crape myrtles and give them a real, up-close look. Start at the base of the trunk. Slowly move your eyes upward, checking the bark inch by inch. Pay extra attention to the spots where branches split off from the trunk, called branch crotches. Those little nooks are favorite hiding places for crape myrtle bark scale. The pest likes tight, protected spaces where it can settle in and feed. Old pruning cuts are another hot spot, so check those too.
Why bother now? Bark scale is much easier to handle when there are only a few small patches. Once it spreads, it can coat the trunk and branches like a crusty white blanket. At that point, getting it under control takes much more time and effort.
Yellow Rose is here to help you, call us now . . .
