Beech Leaf Disease

Beech Leaf Disease (BLD) is a relatively new disease (discovered in 2012) that affects American beech (Fagus grandifolia), European beech (Fagus sylvatica) as well as Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis). An otherwise healthy-looking tree first develops deep green patches between the veins of its leaves. In a later stage, the leaves become thick and leathery and eventually crinkle up. The buds on these branches also die and stop producing leaves. It is believed that nematodes are the carrier but research is still being done to determine the ultimate cause and potential controls. The frequent rains and mild temperatures this year were probably extremely favorable to the development of the disease in our region.

BLD has been confirmed in several places in Westchester County, NY as well as in Greenwich, New Canaan and Stamford, CT. If you see this banding effect in your leaves, please call us to inspect, verify and report.