Our Beloved Beeches Are Under Siege
First spotted in 2012 in Ohio, Beech Leaf Disease (BLD) is now a leading threat to one of eastern North America’s most important trees, killing both mature American beeches and saplings. BLD has now been documented in ten U.S. states and one Canadian province.
American beeches (Fagus grandifolia) are found across the eastern United States and Canada. The trees, which can grow 120 feet tall and live up to 400 years, are a major player in many forests, as well as prized assets in many urban parks, community spaces, and residential landscapes. Beech trees constitute more than 25% of forests in Vermont.
A blight called Beech Bark Disease has been the primary threat to the species, however, now BLD appears to pose an even greater threat. Affecting beeches of all ages, even saplings, it is attacking the life cycle of the tree from both directions, making it difficult to contain the spread.
The disease complex is associated with a foliar nematode species, Litylenchus crenatae, causing leaves to turn leathery and branches to wither, eventually killing a mature tree within 6 to 10 years.
Beech leaf disease can be identified by the distinctive leaf symptoms it causes. Early BLD symptoms will include dark stripes between the veins on leaves. When looking up at the tree canopy from underneath, you might notice dark green bands on the underside of the leaves. As the disease progresses, leaves may become withered, curled, or develop a leathery texture. A heavily impacted tree may appear to have a thinner canopy or have sections of branch dieback.
If you think your beech tree might be infected with beech leaf disease, please contact the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation by using their online form, https://arcg.is/1Svrz40, to report it to the DCR Forest Health Program. Any details you are able to provide about the location, symptoms and severity of the disease, or any pictures of the tree will help in their monitoring efforts of the progress of this disease in the Commonwealth.
Additionally, if you would like an on-site evaluation of your beech trees contact us at heirloomtree@gmail.com