Beech Leaf Disease affects and kills both native and ornamental beech tree species. It can kill beech trees of all ages in two to seven years with young trees appearing to die more quickly. This disease has only been discovered in recent years and much about it, including full cause and how it spreads, is still unknown. Because research on beech leaf disease etiolology is ongoing there are not currently any effective treatment recommendations. Symptoms as other pests, such as, beech blight aphids, European beech scale, eriophyid mites, and anthracnose can resemble beech leaf disease, so there would be a need for a laboratory exam to confirm the disease. A sample of the suspected leaf tree can be sent to the OSU C. Wayne Ellett Plant and Pest Diagnosis Clinic for confirmation and suggestions. Contact the clinic at http://ppdc.osu.edu or phone:<personal data hidden>. Personnel there can provide instructions for sampling. There will be a charge. Another possibility is to contact a certified arborist. This person should be able to confirm the disease and provide advice. A certified arborist you’re your area can be located by going to www.treesaregood.org. There may be a charge. Personnel at the OSU Office Medina County should also be of help. Their address is 4046 Medina Road, Medina, OH 44256, phone:<personal data hidden>, hours: M-F 8-12, 1-5.

Sources: Rutgers University, University of Rhode Island, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New York Department of Environmental Conservation