Beech tree - blight - Ask Extension
Hi, I have heard that there is a beech tree blight. Is there anything I can do to prevent this disease? I have two very large beech trees in my fron...
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Beech tree - blight #874103
Asked June 21, 2024, 3:12 PM EDT
Hi, I have heard that there is a beech tree blight. Is there anything I can do to prevent this disease? I have two very large beech trees in my front yard - they are currently healthy.
Do you have information on where this disease is currently?
Thank you.
Montgomery County Maryland
Expert Response
The only new issue with beech trees is Beech Leaf Disease (BLD), which despite the name, is caused by an animal (a nematode), not a pathogen like a fungus. This is not to be confused with Beech Bark Disease, which does involve a fungus (plus a scale insect concurrently), or Beech Blight Aphids, which sound problematic but which are native and not damaging to the tree.
As a fairly new condition in our area, BLD is still being studied, and no preventative or curative treatments exist yet, though they are being researched. The only advice for now is to just maintain good tree health with normal practices like monitoring for watering needs, avoiding injury to roots and wood/bark, and having any pruning cuts needed done professionally so the cuts are made in the proper location to minimize the risk of wood decay setting in. Beech trees are sensitive to root disturbance, either from substantial soil erosion or new layers of soil or heavy mulch layers placed over the roots, digging or construction injury, and soil compaction (like if a car was parked over part of the root zone).
Last year's U.S. Forest Service detection map for BLD doesn't include Montgomery County yet, but it remains to be seen what will turn up in 2024 (especially since scientists don't yet know for certain how the nematode is spreading). Unfortunately, it would not be unexpected, given the current rate and degree of spread for this ailment since it was first discovered, if beeches in more Maryland counties develop this condition.
Miri
As a fairly new condition in our area, BLD is still being studied, and no preventative or curative treatments exist yet, though they are being researched. The only advice for now is to just maintain good tree health with normal practices like monitoring for watering needs, avoiding injury to roots and wood/bark, and having any pruning cuts needed done professionally so the cuts are made in the proper location to minimize the risk of wood decay setting in. Beech trees are sensitive to root disturbance, either from substantial soil erosion or new layers of soil or heavy mulch layers placed over the roots, digging or construction injury, and soil compaction (like if a car was parked over part of the root zone).
Last year's U.S. Forest Service detection map for BLD doesn't include Montgomery County yet, but it remains to be seen what will turn up in 2024 (especially since scientists don't yet know for certain how the nematode is spreading). Unfortunately, it would not be unexpected, given the current rate and degree of spread for this ailment since it was first discovered, if beeches in more Maryland counties develop this condition.
Miri
