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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCom of Mass Beech Leaf Disease in MassachusettsAn official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts    Here's how you know Beech Leaf Disease in Massachusetts THIS PAGE, BEECH LEAF DISEASE IN MASSACHUSETTS, ISOFFERED BY Bureau of Forest Fire Control and Forestry Department of Conservation & Recreation Beech Leaf Disease in Massachusetts Beech leaf disease (BLD) is a newly described disease, first identified in Ohio in 2012. The disease complex is associated with a foliar nematode species, Litylenchuscrenatae. The disease causes damage to a tree’s leaves, leading to reduced vigor and can eventually lead to tree mortality. Skip table of contents TABLE OF CONTENTS History of BLD in Massachusetts Detection in Massachusetts How to Identify and Report Beech Leaf Disease History of BLD in Massachusetts Plymouth County June 2020First Detection in Massachusetts Beech leaf disease (BLD) is a newly described disease, first identified in Ohio in 2012.The disease complex is associated with a foliar nematode species, Litylenchuscrenatae. The disease causes damage to a tree’s leaves, leading to reduced vigor and can eventually lead to tree mortality. There are still many unknowns about how the disease is spread, how new trees are infected, or how long it takes for symptoms to develop. However, we do know that American beech, European beech, and Oriental beech can be infected. Infected trees of all ages and in both urban and forested settings have been observed. Symptomatic leaves of Beech Leaf Disease KEY ORGANIZATIONSFOR HISTORY OF BLD IN MASSACHUSETTS Nicole Keleher, Forest Health Program Director  Address DCR Bureau of Forest Fire Control and Forestry 51 Military Drive Amherst, MA 01002 Directions   Phone (857) 337-5173 more contact info  Detection in Massachusetts Beech leaf disease has quickly spread from its initial detection point in Ohio. Currently, BLD has been found in 10 U.S. states and 1 Canadian Province. The first detection in Massachusetts was in June 2020 in the town of Plymouth (Plymouth County). Symptomatic trees have since been found in all Massachusetts Counties. As of July 2022, BLD had been confirmed in 83 communities in Massachusetts. The DCR Forest Health Program is surveying beech trees across the state to determine the extent of the disease in Massachusetts. Check back for more updates as we identify new infected locations. How to Identify and Report Beech Leaf Disease Close up of leaf infected with Beech Leaf Disease Beech leaf disease can be identified by the distinctive leaf symptoms it causes. Early BLD symptoms will include dark stripes between the veins on leaves. When looking up at the tree canopy from underneath, you might notice dark green bands on the underside of the leaves. As the disease progresses, leaves may become withered, curled, or develop a leathery texture. A heavily impacted tree may appear to have a thinner canopy or have sections of branch dieback. Other insects and pathogens can also cause leaf damage on beech. However, this damage is usually easy to distinguish from BLD. Mites and aphids will feed on beech leaves and cause discoloration, but this is usually lighter in color than the leaf compared to BLD with has darker bands forming. Other insect or pathogen damage can cause leaves to look brownish and become more brittle, in comparison to BLD that will develop a more leathery texture as it withers and curls the leaves. Beech will also naturally hold onto leaves into the winter, if you see a beech with brown leaves still attached in the winter, this is normal. Leaves heavily impacted by Beech Leaf Disease that have begun to curl If you think your beech tree might be infected with beech leaf disease, please use our online form, https://arcg.is/1Svrz40, to report it to the DCR Forest Health Program . Any details you are able to provide about the location, symptoms and severity of the disease, or any pictures of the tree will help us in our monitoring efforts of the progress of this disease in the Commonwealth. Key Actionsfor How to Identify and Report Beech Leaf Disease Report Beech Leaf Disease  Additional Resourcesfor How to Identify and Report Beech Leaf Disease Open PDF file, 848.84 KB, Beech Leaf Disease Massachusetts Fact Sheet (English, PDF 848.84 KB) Related Guides Spongy Moth in Massachusetts  Emerald Ash Borer in Massachusetts  Asian Longhorned Beetle in Massachusetts  Help Us Improve Mass.govwith your feedback Top of Form Did you find what you were looking for on this webpage? Yes No Bottom of Form All Topics Site Policies Public Records Requests © 2023 Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Mass.gov® is a registered service mark of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Mass.gov Privacy Policy Feedback