What is Beech Leaf Disease (BLD)?
Beech leaf disease is a foliar disease, meaning it affects leaves of the tree, and is caused by a non-native nematode. A nematode is a microscopic type of work-like organism. It affects native American Beech (Fagus gradnifolia), European Beech (Fagus sylvatica), and Oriental Beech (Fagus oriantalis) trees and was first detected in Virginia in 2021. It has also been spotted in Prince William Forest Park.
Symptoms:
Initially there will be a dark banding pattern between leaf veins. Banding is present from leaf out until fall and is best seen when looking up into the canopy of the tree. Damaged leaves are unevenly distributed. Leaves will become distorted, puckered or curled. Trees will have early leaf drop; buds will fail to develop, and the branches will die.
Report signs of BLD:
If you find signs of BLD, take photos and report the location and date of your sighting by emailing the Virginia Department of Forest at foresthealth@DOF.virginia.gov.
Additional Resource:
Beech leaf disease: An emerging forest threat in eastern Virginia.