Knowledgebase

Beech Leaf Disease? #929912

Asked April 28, 2026, 1:29 PM EDT

I’m inquiring about the leaves on a beech tree in my yard. Do they seem healthy to you? No sun today.

Montgomery County Maryland

Expert Response

The primary early-season symptom of Beech Leaf Disease is dark banding between the leaf veins, which is not visible unless the leaves are backlit (see an example on the linked page). The foliage in your photos appears to be normal, but we can't see any backlit leaves. The pale spots on the leaves in the third photo are called erineum patch and are caused by a species of mite; it's a common and harmless occurrence that can be ignored.

Miri
Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied April 28, 2026, 1:40 PM EDT
Thanks
I will get you better pictures when it’s sunny out.




On Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 1:40 PM, Ask Extension wrote:

The Question Asker Replied April 28, 2026, 1:50 PM EDT
Available sun isn't necessary as long as you can view the leaves from the underside lit by a brighter background, be that the sky (even on an overcast day) or even a table lamp or flashlight. If you prefer to wait for a sunny day, that's fine also.

Miri
Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied April 28, 2026, 2:17 PM EDT
Thanks 



On Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 2:17 PM, Ask Extension wrote:

The Question Asker Replied April 28, 2026, 2:50 PM EDT

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