Crepe Myrtle Has Tiny Round Balls Of Leaf-Like Growth All Over But No Leaves

Question From: J. Ehlinger - Austin, Texas, United States
Q: I have a crape myrtle that puts out little round balls of what look like leaves, they are minute and the tree is covered with them. However nothing else happens, no leaves nor do these balls develop into anything. I have tried to find out if this is a disease but can get no information. I am tempted to remove and destroy the whole tree. Can you help?

A: The balls may be a type of moss, which doesn't hurt the tree. But if it has no leaves it can't manufacture food so it's toast. Let it go. Best Nancy