As a side note: I realize the most trees and shrubs RESPIRE but if I
stand under this tree/shrub even on the hottest day it feels as if
it's raining. For example today, which got very near 100 degrees, my
sidewalk which runs underneath part of the tree, was wet from the
drips coming from the Crepe Myrtle. Is this usual?

Does it have aphids? They drip sticky stuff and cause leaf drop.

Cindy