Beech Leaf Disease (BLD) has quickly become a serious threat to our Native Beech trees and is decimating beech trees across Long Island, New York State and parts of the Northeast. It was first detected in 2012 in Ohio and is now found in 12 states, greatly infecting New England. 

What is it?

Beech leaf disease is caused by a foliar nematode, Litylenchus crenatae ssp. mccannii. Nematodes are microscopic worms. BLD infects the new production of buds and the bark of the tree. Researchers are seeing trees with BLD die within a few years after infection. 

Symptoms of BLD include:

• Leaf striping, curling, and/or leathery texture.
• These symptoms are most easily noticed by looking up into the forest canopy and may be visible from leaf out in May until leaves fall off in October.
• In early infestations, only a few leaves may be affected. Eventually, affected leaves wither, dry, and yellow.
• Reduced leaf and bud production.
• Leaf loss has been recorded only in heavily affected trees, but would be noticeable in summer months.
• A single tree can contain both heavily infected and unaffected branches.

So, what can we do about it?

At Nature’s Guardian Inc. we continue self-education and remain current to the most up-to-date research. Our IPM team can manage disease by: 

• Foliar Sprays
• Soil root injection with a custom blend of fertilizers
• Soil Drench applications
• Monitoring growth rates and providing optimal growing conditions to provide the tree with maximum defenses. 

Call us today to get an individualized plan for your property.