Dead beech tree - Ask Extension
My neighbor had to cut down a very large beech tree. It was rotting out internally. They have a lot of large stumps/logs that I was thinking about br...
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Dead beech tree #874744
Asked June 26, 2024, 8:30 AM EDT
My neighbor had to cut down a very large beech tree. It was rotting out internally. They have a lot of large stumps/logs that I was thinking about bringing into my garden. However, I read that there is a fatal beech tree disease caused by a nematode. I am unclear how the tree died, but is it risky to bring anything from that tree into my garden? Thanks.
Montgomery County Maryland
Expert Response
Beech Leaf Disease, caused by the nematode, should not be a threat in this situation. If the mature beech didn't show the characteristic symptoms of that condition (we realize it can't be checked at this point), there is little reason to suspect it was present, and decline and dieback from the infestation tends to take at least few years to cause damage on a large tree. A number of other conditions and prior damage to the tree was probably responsible for its demise, especially with internal heartwood decay being advanced. While Beech Leaf Disease is now present in several Maryland counties, a few years ago, when that tree's decline likely began (potentially well before symptoms became obvious), the nematode probably was not yet in the area.
Miri
Miri
You're welcome.