Trees, Shrubs and Conifers: what\'s wrong with my crape myrtles?, 3 by captKirkS

captKirkS wrote:
I noticed back in late Spring of this year that there were dead leaves accumulating at the base of the branches/top of the trunk of my 24 year old crape myrtles. I should have removed them because I also noticed that the area of the accumulated leaves was getting progressively darker.

Now, top of the trunk, the lower part of the branches and the leaves in that area are very dark and there are white spots on the bark. Is this due to a lack of sunlight in that area? If so, would removing leaves from that area help? What else should I do to treat these trees?

Also, the bark is peeling on the entire trunk of each tree. I think that is normal and not related to the issue above...I just don\'t remember now...getting older.

Thanks in advance for any assistance.