BEECH LEAF DISEASE

Beech leaf disease (BLD) is a serious threat to our native American and European beech trees. Trees throught the New England and Mid Atlantic states have been affected. Beech leaf disease is caused by a foliar nematode. Nematodes spend the Winter in beech buds, where the feeding modifies the development of young leaves. Some buds will not open and the buds that do open will show leaves that are crinkled, smaller, and leathery. As the crown of the tree declines from loss of leaves the tree will die.

What can be done? A systemic treatment with potassium phosphite sprayed on the bark in May and again in August. Another treatment is to inject a control material into the root flares, this treatment is effective for 2 years.

This devastating disease caused by these leaf infecting nematodes is a concern especially for our forest inhabiting trees. Beech trees are a critical food source for our native wildlife.