First detected in Ohio in 2012, Beech Leaf Disease has rapidly spread throughout the Eastern US and New England, making its arrival in Massachusetts in June of 2020, with the first detection on Cape Cod in 2022.
Alfieri Tree Care’s Certified Arborists have observed signs of Beech Leaf Disease on trees throughout Falmouth, Mashpee, Osterville, Chatham, and as far as Eastham and Martha’s Vineyard. This disease will be detrimental to our Beech forests throughout the Cape.
Beech Leaf Disease is caused by a foliar nematode (Litylenchus crenatae), a microscopic worm that is thought to be spread possibly by the wind or even via birds. The adult nematode infiltrates the beech leaf buds, where they overwinter as adults and eggs and cause damage to the leaf tissue inside the buds. When the new foliage emerges in the spring is when the damage is evident.
Beech Leaf Disease appears to be indiscriminately impacting American beech ‘Fagus grandifolia’ and European beech ‘Fagus sylvatica’, both prevalent on Cape Cod.
There are numerous native American beech stands throughout the Cape, and they are a very important part of our ecosystem. European beech trees are also considered a popular, high-value ornamental tree for many Cape Cod landscapes.
Infected leaves will have dark banding, or may be smaller, distorted, or crinkled. On trees that are more severely infected, many buds may be completely killed and may not open at all. Repeated seasons of this will lead to weaker refoliation, a sparse canopy with reduced foliage, and branch dieback. As we see our area’s Beech trees begin to leaf out in the spring, we’re seeing the devastation that is caused to the foliage and canopy from the overwintered nematodes.
There are several different symptoms that may present in trees affected by the nematode and Beech Leaf Disease.
One of the treatments that have been [preliminarily] successful in reducing the population of the nematode – and therefore managing BLD – is the use of a soil drench of potassium phosphite. Phosphite boosts a tree’s natural immune system, facilitating its natural defense mechanisms and helping it be more stress tolerant and vigorous. There are also numerous other benefits of phosphite treatments for trees and plants alike.
Additionally, experimental trials and research from leading tree research labs and state extensions are showing promise in utilizing certain nematicides.
While there is still very little known about the disease, research is developing and there has been some success in its management. As a relatively “young” disease, there are still many unknowns, including the efficacy of the treatments. Time will tell if these methods will prove to be useful in extending the life of our Beech trees.
Applications may be considered a worthy investment for high-value ornamental or feature Beech trees.
The best way property owners can help their Beech trees combat Beech Leaf Disease is by utilizing sound cultural and environmental practices that focus on the overall health of their Beech trees.
The team at Alfieri Tree Care is doing everything we can to try to ensure the health and vitality of our important and beloved Beech trees.
