A Technical Report from The Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories
Beech leaf disease (BLD) is an emerging disease caused by a foliar-feeding nematode, or microscopic roundworm, known as Litylenchus crenatae mccannii (Lcm). All cultivars of American and European beech are susceptible. Beech are ecologically important trees in eastern North America and are common feature trees in landscapes. Beech leaf disease was first observed in Lake County, Ohio (Cleveland area) in 2012. Since its initial detection, the disease has spread from the mid-Atlantic region through New England, and to Ontario. Movement in the Midwest is occurring, but more slowly.