Question
Hi,  I live Northwest of Houston in Tomball.  My crepe myrtle is 2 years old that I have watched grow from a seed from my larger trees.  Suddenly about half of the leaves feel like they have been sprayed with oil and the leaves are sticky on both sides of the leaves.  Also, about half of the branches half-way up each branch are dead, including the blooms!  I have never seen anything like this on any kind of plant!!
I have read everything I can find on the Internet but cannot find any mention of this kind of disease on crepe myrtle.
Please forward to me any information that you think would be helpful.
Take care, Joyce

Answer
Joyce:
From your description, sounds like your leaves may have a deposit of honeydew on them.  This is the product of an insect infestatiion.  Honeydew is clear and sticky, but soon becomes black.  This is called sooty mold. See the information bulletin I have prepared at this web address below  

http://www.uaex.edu/Other_Areas/publications/PDF/FSA-7555.pdf

The dead branches may be from some other reason.  Take a look at these entire branches looking for any physical injury to them where the bark may have been damaged.  If it has been quite dry at your location, you may check the soil to be sure it isn't dry as well for this plant.

Regards
Steve