Unfortunately, beech leaf disease is becoming more omnipresent in our area. Beech leaf disease affects both native American beech trees and European beeches.  The disease is associated with a parasite called Litylenchus crenatae, which is a foliar feeding nematode. The feeding of this nematode causes leaves to become weak, sometimes leading to tree death, according to the State Department of Conservation and Recreation. “Early BLD symptoms will include dark stripes between the veins on leaves,” DCR says. “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.” This is a serious threat to beech that will weaken and oftentimes eventually kill trees. 

A few years ago, this damage was sporadic, but now (as of spring 2025), it is rare to see an uninfected tree. We still see it more on the native stands of beeches that grow on root sprouts. The way the native beech trees spread and grow in large stands may cause the disease to spread more quickly than individual European beech trees.

There is still not much known about this disease, including the full cause and how it spreads. However, scientists are having some good results with some treatments.  These treatments are still experimental, and they may help, but it is not guaranteed cure.  If you are interested in discussing what the best plan may be for your trees, please reach out to us. We are trying the latest recommended treatments.

For additional information, please find the link to UMass extension. https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/fact-sheets/beech-leaf-disease