We care greatly about the health and longevity of all trees. Beech Leaf Disease is beginning to devastate beech trees in some states by an unseen killer. The disease is transmitted by a microscopic nematode making it very easy for the disease to spread. Once a tree is infected, it becomes weak and more susceptible to other diseases. This can cause the tree to rapidly decline.
This disease can be in the soil, transmitted by gardening tools, or by moving diseased branches from one place to another. Here are some important tips to remember: clean your shoes, clean your gardening tools, and burn the brush from the infected tree.
Beech leaf disease was first detected in Ohio in 2012 but annual surveys didn’t begin until 2020. According to MDARD, there are now 9 states with confirmed Beech leaf disease cases. Symptoms of this disease are slow to emerge, making it even more difficult to detect. It is still unknown how the disease got here, and we have very little information on the nematode that is causing the issue.
In 2021 Beech leaf disease was added to Michigan’s invasive species watch list to encourage everyone to look for and report suspected infestations. One of the main symptoms is thick tissue bands that appear like a striped effect between the leaf veins. Other symptoms include dead buds, curling leaves, and stunted growth that results in a thinning canopy.
MDARD states that Michigan is home to 37 million American beech trees. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure or treatment for this disease. Beech trees are an important part of our ecosystem and that is why it is so important to get the word out and help contain the spread of this disease.
If we all do our part, hopefully we can protect the healthy beech trees and slow the spread of this disease. We hope to be able to enjoy beech trees for generations to come!
.svg){kind=logo}
.webp){kind=logo}