Why Is My Pine Tree Dying? Pine Bark Beetles in the CSRA

Three different beetles kill pines in the CSRA, and telling them apart changes the treatment completely. Here is how to know which one you have.
Oak Wilt in Aiken, SC: What Homeowners Need to Know

Oak wilt is killing water oaks across Aiken. The symptoms to watch for, where it has been found, and the summer pruning rule that matters most.
Why Is My Crape Myrtle Turning Black? Aiken & Augusta Guide

That black film on your crape myrtle is almost always bark scale. How to confirm it in thirty seconds, and what actually clears it up.