Why Does My Crape Myrtle Still Have Its Leaves?

Does it seem like your Crape Myrtles or Japanese Maples are confused?

We’ve had some calls from clients that have noticed their Crape Myrtles and Japanese Maples are still holding on to their leaves. Is this happening to you too?  If you remember the first week in November, there was a hard freeze where temps fell into the teens overnight. Unfortunately, this happened before the plants had a chance to fully go dormant and prepare for winter.  

Crape Myrtle Damages By Extreme Temperature Drop

Typically, what happens as days shorten and temperatures gradually cool, leaves stop producing chlorophyll and begin to expose the pigments that give them their typical bright fall foliage.

At the same time, the branches start to form abscission cells that push off the dying leaves and seal the little openings where the stems attach.

A sudden cold snap can thwart that process. Not only does the leaf color go directly from green to brown, the leaves stay attached because abscission tissue hadn’t sufficiently developed.

If the wind doesn’t knock off the leaves in the winter the tree will push the dead leaves off in the spring when it begins to grow. Helpful Hint: Do not attempt to remove the leaves by hand.

As the trees start to break dormancy and begin to grow again there may be parts of the trees that don’t leaf out.  If this happens just remove the dead branches and prune to shape the rest of the plant.  

 
March 22, 2018
Salvador G.

Salvador G.

Mowing Crew Member

Salvador began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in March 2017.

Noe G.

Noé G.

Landscape Crew Member

Noé began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in July of 2020.

David R.

David R.

Landscape Crew Member

David began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in March of 2019.

Fredi O.

Fredi O.

Landscape & Mowing Crew Member

Fredi began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in March of 2003.

Miguel B.

Miguel B.

Mowing Crew Leader

Miguel began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in June 2014.

Nelson H.

Nelson H.

Landscape Crew Leader

Nelson began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in March 2019.

Arturo D.

Arturo D.

Landscape Crew Leader

Arturo began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in September of 2011.

Antonio S.

Antonio S.

Landscape Crew Leader

Antonio began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in March 2001.

Mark Q.

Mark Q.

Pond Manager

Mark began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in September 2010. Mark holds the following certifications; Aquascape Academy Certified, Maryland Certified Pesticide Applicator, and Maryland Certified Fertilizer Applicator.

Shawnee T.

Shawnee T.

Office Assistant and Customer Care

Shawnee began working with Damascus Enterprises in April 2021.

Mike B.

Mike B.

Landscape Designer, Plant & Lawn Care Specialist

Mike is a 3rd generation landscape professional and has worked in the field of horticulture for over 20 years. He has an AAS degree in landscape technology from Montgomery College. Mike is a Certified Professional Horticulturist through the Maryland Department of Agriculture and Landscape Industry Certified in softscape, and hardscape installation certified through PLANET. Mike began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in February 2014. 

Scott Brown

Scott Brown

President / Owner

Damascus Enterprises, Inc. was established by Scott in 1998 as strictly a landscape company. Under his leadership and through continued training the business has grown and expanded to now offer a full array of services that include pond and waterfall installation and maintenance, lawn care, landscape design, custom stonework, and outdoor lighting.Scott is an Aquascape Certified Contractor, Vista Certified Design & Installation Specialist and regularly attends industry education and networking events like Pondemonium and Pondeminium. He has previously been recognized as a top young entrepreneur by Maryland’s Governor and the Small Business Association. He currently serves on the board of Montgomery County Farm Bureau and is Co-chair of the entertainment committee of the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair and is involved in the Damascus community through various activities. Scott and his wife Melody live in Damascus with their two children.