Hi, we have a beech tree that we planted probably about 5 to 7 years ago. It is slow growing, but has seemed perfectly healthy until just this week I ...
Knowledgebase
Beech tree disease?!? #813249
Asked October 05, 2022, 11:17 AM EDT
Hi, we have a beech tree that we planted probably about 5 to 7 years ago. It is slow growing, but has seemed perfectly healthy until just this week I noticed some wounds and dark brown discoloration seeming to come from the wounds - mainly on the lower ~1/2 of the main trunk. One place where I peeled away the bark over one of the wounds, it revealed a cavity that had some gel-like reddish-brown stuff built up at the bottom. Looking online makes me scared that this is phytophora - what should I do - would like to save the tree if there is any possible treatment, but more importantly want to make sure that all of the other trees and shrubs in our yard are not at risk! Thank you for any advice you can provide!!!
Cuyahoga CountyOhio
Expert Response
Clearly, your beloved beech (Fagus spp.) is struggling. Thank you for the photos. They offer as clear a view as possible of what is happening.
While I am reluctant to make a definitive diagnosis, my research suggests your beech is indeed exhibiting signs of phytophthera infection. I do not have the equipment nor the expertise to narrow that down to a specific fungus but the symptoms are nearly identical to the photos of infected European and American beech, although it appears the European beech is most susceptible. Some sources suggest cutting the tree down and treating the soil so that nothing else planted in that area will be affected.
However, some other sources suggest fungicides can help the tree fight off the disease, although I haven’t read of a cure. My training tells me that fungicides are only effective before the appearance of symptoms, but research moves ever onward. There may be new research suggesting a cure.
My suggestion would be for you to have a certified arborist provide a specific diagnosis, and if there is a treatment, to suggest and apply it.
I have included two articles for your reference that give a fairly clear picture of the disease.
Thank you so much for your time and expertise in replying to my question. I did have an arborist take a look at the tree, and they agree with your assessment. As much as I hate to remove the tree, that is what we are going to do. Treating it is a big commitment with no guarantees it will work. I mostly just want to get it out of our yard so that the pathogen does not spread further. I will certainly pay more attention to phytophthera vulnerability when selecting trees in the future. It is a bit unusual (from what I have read) - The affected beech tree was not planted in a particularly wet area of our yard. Maybe it just came from the nursery with the infection. In any case, your service was SO helpful - it really helped me get a quick answer that made me realize I should not ignore this problem!
