around the base of the tree. Spread 2 to 4 inches (7.6 to 12.7 cm) of rich hardwood mulch around the tree. A thick layer will help the roots hold moisture and discourage the growth of weeds, which can sap the trees nutrients.  Leave about half a foot (0.15 m) of space between the mulch layer and the trunk. Piling on mulch too closely or too heavily can smother the roots and endanger the life of the tree. Apply 2-3 inches of new mulch each spring when the tree begins flowering. Any slow-release organic fertilizer will work just fine—a well-balanced 10-10-10 mix is a popular choice with many gardeners. Apply the fertilizer to the soil liberally in early spring as soon as the first leaves start to appear. Following the first growing season, cut back to fertilizing once a year.  Lightly fertilizing established older trees every 2-3 weeks can help them produce healthy new growth. Crepe myrtles are well-suited for a variety of soil types, and don’t need to be fed as much as other trees of similar size. Powdery mildew, black mold, and leaf spot are a few of the threats that crepe myrtles face once they begin flowering. In most cases, the effects these cause are harmless, and will clear up on their own in time. Positioning your trees where they can enjoy full sunlight and good air circulation and inspecting them frequently goes a long way in preventing disease.  Prune back trees afflicted by mold and mildew to increase the airflow around the trunk. Throw away any cut branches and disinfect your pruning tools before you use them again so the disease doesn't spread. Diseases that don't clear up on their own after a few weeks can often be knocked out with a commercial chemical fungicide like Daconil or Immunox. Be sure to follow the directions provided on the label of the product you’re using to avoid harming the tree.
ضع الغطاء العضوي الواقي سمد الشجرة مرة في الشهر خلال العام الأول. تفحص الكريب ميرتيل بانتظام بحثًا عن علامات المرض.