A Technical Report from The Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories
Beech leaf disease (BLD) is an emerging disease caused by a nematode, or microscopic worm. All cultivars of American and European beech are susceptible. Beech leaf disease was first observed in Lake County, Ohio (Cleveland area) in 2012. Since its initial detection, the disease has spread to much of the Mid-Atlantic, New England, and Ontario. Movement in the Midwest is occurring, but more slowly. BLD is caused by a foliar-feeding nematode, Litylenchus crenatae mccannii. Healthy beech trees have been observed dying in a period of five to seven years from the onset of symptoms.