Choosing to Preserve your Beech Trees

Beech Leaf Disease (BLD) is an increasingly pressing issue that is wreaking havoc on beech trees across North America and now throughout New England. First discovered back in 2012, this insidious condition that infects Beech leaves has continued to spread, compromising the health and vitality of our beloved beech tree populations. Although the exact culprit behind BLD remains unidentified, experts suspect that a nematode or a combination of multiple pathogens and environmental factors may be responsible.

One of the most noticeable and distressing effects of BLD is the appearance of of the Beech leaves. They tend to look irregular, discolored, and curled. Additionally, the veins of affected leaves become unnaturally thickened, hindering the overall well-being of the trees. This decline in health poses a serious threat to both the ecological balance and the aesthetic appeal of our landscapes, as beech trees hold a crucial role within the forest ecosystem and are fervently admired by nature enthusiasts.

Boston Tree Preservation (BTP), scientists, and conservationists are joining forces to combat this devastating disease with a Beech leaf disease treatment. Through collaborative efforts, we have developed a preliminary mitigation strategy aimed at preserving your Beech tree while multi-year laboratory and field trials develop a cure for leaf curl.

BTP has diligently studied the pathogen behind BLD to unravel its mysteries and has identified an initial comprehensive approach to treatment. By understanding how the disease attacks the critical subsystems necessary to support the life of your tree, BTP’s program can substantially slow the decline of your beech so that it may survive until field trials produce a permanent solution.