Crapemyrtle bark scale has been spreading through Metro Atlanta landscapes over the past few summers, and it's easy to miss until a tree develops the telltale black sooty mold that comes with an infestation.
The scale insects appear as small white or gray bumps along the bark, but the black, sooty coating that grows on their sugary residue is often the more noticeable sign. A heavy infestation weakens a crapemyrtle over time and makes it look neglected even when otherwise healthy.
Crapemyrtles showing a grimy or dull appearance this summer across Metro Atlanta are worth a closer look at the bark rather than assuming it's dust or pollution buildup.
#CrapemyrtleBarkScale #TreeHealth #MetroAtlanta #Crapemyrtle
A real close-up photo of crapemyrtle bark showing scale insects or sooty mold from an actual property visit. Authentic photos build more credibility than stock tree imagery for this kind of educational post.
Canva text suggestion: "That Sooty Bark Isn't Dirt" or "Crapemyrtle Bark Scale Is Spreading in Metro Atlanta"