As beech leaf disease spreads, foresters and researchers race to understand its impact, retain healthy trees and prepare for ...

The disease is caused my an invasive microscopic worm. It was first detected in the state four years ago and has now spread ...

The choice of fern leaf beech was intentional. “ The blooms are purple, symbolizing royalty and loyalty,” said Miller-Pratt. Additionally, the tree will always be a source of life as “ the leaves stay ...

Through luck or (hopefully) genetics, this mighty tree has avoided contracting beech bark disease—a fatal fungal pathogen ...

“Beach leaf disease just happens to be spreading more quickly,” Halman said. He says it’s caused by nematodes that eat beech leaves and buds, especially on young trees.

But another factor was beech leaf disease, a relatively new and mysterious affliction that destroys beeches’ leaves, and with them the trees’ ability to photosynthesize.

The Maryland Department of Agriculture announced there are worsening conditions of beech leaf disease in the state.

Trees that are weakened by leaf damage become susceptible to other diseases and can die within six to 10 years after initial symptoms. There are around 37 million American beech trees in Michigan.