Question
My crepe myrtle are looking beautiful this year. We live in the Dallas, TX suburbs and our crepes are probably over 20 yeas old. We have battled powdery mildew in the past and several other plagues, but they always survive. This year, the leaves are as green as can be and there is no sign of insects. However, the green leaves are dropping for no apparent reason. Any ideas?? We have had an very unusual weather pattern this year. No freezes this winter and a very early summer.

Answer
Maris:
I don't think there is an infectious disease activity here, but rather some "unfriendly" environmental factor. At this point, I would expect for you to see some evidences of regrowth over the next couple of weeks. In the meantime, look the plant over good for any evidences on trunk or stem damage in the form of bark damage, root excavation etc.  You may also recall if anything has been sprayed directly to the tree or applied to the soil beneath.  If everything checks out OK, I would expect to see the regrowth.

Regards

Steve