The Preservation Society of Newport County has enlisted Bartlett Tree Experts to help protect its historic and valued beech trees. Earlier this summer, research scientists at the Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories announced their development of two successful treatment options for beech leaf disease: a foliar application for smaller trees, and a root flare injection for large trees.
Dr. Matthew Borden, a Bartlett plant pathologist on the research team, said the disease has been spreading rapidly. “Where containment and eradication are no longer feasible, we strive to develop Integrated Pest Management tools and techniques to protect individual trees or groups of susceptible trees. Our research team now feels confident that we can protect many beech trees in places such as landscapes and arboreta where beech are valued as shade trees, historic specimens, and represent genetically diverse collections that should be preserved for future work.”
Beech Leaf Disease Treatment in Newport
Newport, Rhode Island is well-known for its impressive collections of American and European beech trees. In 2023, The Preservation Society of Newport County experienced an increase in tree mortality from beech leaf disease. The Society sought the scientific arboricultural expertise of Bartlett Tree Experts to help suppress the devastating disease. Bartlett Tree Experts recommended an Integrated Pest Management program to support beech tree health. Bartlett arborists provided treatments to manage beech leaf disease. Further, where needed, they identified and addressed other common beech issues. Some examples included treatment of phytophthora root rot, beech bark disease, beech bark scale and other secondary pests and pathogens. Finally, the team assisted in the implementation of soil care and cultural practices including proper mulching. These practices help beech trees better withstand stress factors and the impact of beech leaf disease.
A year later, the improved health of Newport’s beech trees is noticeable.
Trudy Coxe, CEO and Executive Director of The Preservation Society of Newport County stated, “Without the scientific tree care solutions provided by Bartlett Tree Experts in the era of beech leaf disease, it is a very real possibility that Newport’s treasured collections of beech trees would be lost.”
Historic Beech Tree Protected
One notable success story is the magnificent weeping beech near the entrance of Chateau-sur-Mer. Unfortunately, the magnificent tree was in bad shape from beech leaf disease. However, the tree is now showing signs of improved health.
Discussing the tree, Trudy Coxe said, “Many of its leaves were shriveled, distorted and missing tissue between the veins; some buds failed to develop into leaves at all. This disease, caused by a microscopic worm called a nematode, can kill a mature beech tree within six years. Today, this tree and many other beeches in the Newport Mansions arboretum are looking much healthier thanks to a treatment applied by Bartlett Tree Experts, one of our Partners in Preservation. Bartlett reports that of our 250 beech trees, 60 percent are in good condition, 31 percent are fair, and 9 percent are in poor shape. This is better news than we could have hoped for two years ago when beech leaf disease arrived here. We will continue to work with Bartlett Tree Experts to save our beech trees using safe and sustainable methods.”
An Important Forest and Landscape Species
American beech is an important native species across the eastern U.S. and into some parts of Canada. Further, European beech, including the ornamental copper and purple beech, are striking landscape trees. The introduction of beech leaf disease has already had a devastating impact. Therefore, proactive treatment efforts and continued research are critical to the future of this species.
Speaking on beech species, Jim Ingram, President and Chief Operating Officer of Bartlett Tree Experts and Rhode Island licensed arborist, states, “Having spent over 40 years in New England working with beech culture, I can never imagine not seeing beech trees growing in the forest and landscapes in New England. Beech trees are beneficial to so many other co-existing forest tree and ground cover species. It is also a critical species for wildlife and the integrity of the environment of New England at-large. I am very appreciative of the Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories and our eight PhDs who developed scientific treatment solutions to protect our beautiful beech trees.”
