Beech Leaf Disease
Disease
High Threat
Photo: Yonghao Li / (CC-BY-3.0-US (Bugwood))
Identification & Biology
Caused by a nematode (Litylenchus crenatae). Leaves develop dark banding between veins, then curl and shrivel. Kills mature trees within 5-7 years. No effective treatment yet.
Current Status
Spreading rapidly through OH, PA, NY, NJ, CT, MA. First identified 2012.
States affected:
Connecticut
Delaware
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
Vermont
Virginia
What Homeowners Should Do
Monitor beech trees for dark leaf banding. Report to state forestry agency. Research is ongoing but there is currently no proven treatment for homeowners.
Identification Photos
Related Threats
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