Is it normal for my tree to be bare in winter?

Yes, crape myrtles are deciduous and naturally lose all their leaves in the winter. They will grow back fresh in the spring.

Do I need to rake up the fallen leaves?

It is a good idea to rake up and dispose of fallen leaves, especially if they show signs of fungal disease, to prevent it from spreading.

Why is my crape myrtle losing its leaves? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Look at the calendar to see if it is nearing autumn.
Inspect the fallen leaves for white powdery growth.
Check the soil moisture to rule out drought.

Likely causes

Extreme drought
Possible
How to tell: Leaves turn yellow or brown and fall off prematurely during a hot summer.
What to do: Increase your watering frequency to ensure the roots stay hydrated. Apply a 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch to help retain soil moisture.
Fungal infection
Possible
How to tell: Leaves show white powdery spots before falling off, indicating powdery mildew.
What to do: Improve air circulation around the tree by thinning out crowded branches. Use a fungicide labeled for powdery mildew if the infection is widespread.

Leaf drop in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your crape myrtle

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

Worry if the tree loses a large amount of leaves in the middle of summer. It is perfectly normal for the tree to drop all its leaves once the weather turns cold in late autumn.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the tree healthy with proper sun exposure and avoid overhead watering, which encourages fungal growth.

Crape myrtle: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your crape myrtle and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Is it normal for my tree to be bare in winter?: Yes, crape myrtles are deciduous and naturally lose all their leaves in the winter. They will grow back fresh in the spring.
Do I need to rake up the fallen leaves?: It is a good idea to rake up and dispose of fallen leaves, especially if they show signs of fungal disease, to prevent it from spreading.

Why is my crape myrtle losing its leaves?