Why Are Our Beech Trees Dying

You’re not imagining it: our beech trees are dying. Beech leaf disease was first reported in North America in Ohio in 2012, traveled through parts of the upper Midwest and adjacent parts of Canada, and has since been moving east to make its appearance in CT in August 2019, along the Mianus River between Stamford and Greenwich. The disease has been observed mainly in forests, but also in landscaped areas. Beech leaf disease causes premature leaf drop and thin canopies, and also makes the trees more susceptible to other pests.

The disease is caused by an Asian nematode, Litylenchus crenatae, which attacks both American and European beeches. Join us to hear Dr. Robert Marra of the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, discuss his leading research on this disease in our state. He is working with foresters at CT DEEP Forestry on tracking its occurrences in CT, and is very interested in hearing from arborists, tree wardens, and all others who believe they may have encountered the disease. All information will be helpful.