About Edward Gulliksen Expertise I can help to diagnose any Tree and Shrub related problem, whether it be a disease or insect infestation.
Experience I am an ISA Certified Arborist, Consulting Arborist and a licensed NYS Pesticide Applicator.
Organizations I am Vice President of the Professional Certified Applicators of Long Island as well as a member of the New York State Arboricultural Association and the Long Island Arboricultural Association.
Publications I write for Long Island.com as the Horticultural Expert.
Question i planted a 7 foot tall crape myrtle about a 2 months ago and only a few days ago the leaves have started to turn red and it seems like more and more turn red everyday. we are still in summer so it cant be because the change of seasons. it gets watered regularly by the sprinkler system and the soil isnt to awfully moist (just right)and i live in hesperia, ca. it is in the high desert of southern california and the weather is warm to mainly hot in the summer and windy.
can you think of anything that might be going wrong.
Answer Lionel,
The Crape Myrtle is probably in transplant shock. Transplant shock causes stress on the plant, this would explain the early fall color.
I would recommend watering it heavily and using a low nitrogen granular organic fertilizer to help strengthen the plant.
