{"id":7478,"date":"2024-08-16T19:55:35","date_gmt":"2024-08-16T19:55:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bartlett.com\/blog\/?p=7478"},"modified":"2025-08-13T18:33:04","modified_gmt":"2025-08-13T18:33:04","slug":"protecting-trees-beech-leaf-disease","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bartlett.com\/blog\/protecting-trees-beech-leaf-disease\/","title":{"rendered":"Protecting Newport’s beech trees against Beech Leaf Disease"},"content":{"rendered":"

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>: a foliar application for smaller trees, and a root flare injection for large trees.<\/p>\n

Dr. Matthew Borden, a Bartlett plant pathologist on the research team, said the disease has been spreading rapidly. \u201cWhere 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Beech Leaf Disease Treatment in Newport<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Newport, Rhode Island is well-known for its impressive collections of American and European beech trees. In 2023, The Preservation Society of Newport County<\/a> 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<\/a> 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.\u00a0 These practices help beech trees better withstand stress factors and the impact of beech leaf disease.<\/p>\n

A year later, the improved health of Newport\u2019s beech trees is noticeable.<\/p>\n

Trudy Coxe, CEO and Executive Director of The Preservation Society of Newport County stated, \u201cWithout 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\u2019s treasured collections of beech trees would be lost.”<\/p>\n

Historic Beech Tree Protected<\/strong><\/h3>\n

One notable success story is the magnificent weeping beech near the entrance of Chateau-sur-Mer<\/a>. Unfortunately, the magnificent tree was in bad shape from beech leaf disease. However, the tree is now showing signs of improved health.<\/p>\n