What is BLD?
The disease is caused by a foliar nematode (Litylenchus crenatae mccannii), a type of microscopic roundworm, that feeds inside the leaf buds of beech trees. Beech Leaf Disease (BLD) poses a substantial threat to beech trees in the eastern United States, affecting all types of beech trees. When the leaves emerge, they have a characteristic striped appearance, and may become curled, leathery, or withered as the season progresses. Over time, the canopy will thin as it loses leaves, and the tree will no longer be able to photosynthesize, causing it to die.
How do we treat them?
- BLD can be treated in larger trees over 6” diameter by trunk injections.
- Trees will need to be treated every 2 years (For Example: Your tree is treated with injections this June 2026, it will need to be done again in June 2028).
- Maintain tree health with proper mulching to help them withstand disease.
- Injections are safer for the environment than sprays, avoiding drift over water or into the atmosphere. While drilling creates wounds, tests indicate these heal safely in healthy trees. The Injections will stay systemic within the tree and will not pollute the ground.
When will we treat the Beech trees?
The team at Nugent’s Arboriculture LLC will begin treating Beech trees this June through July. We can treat anytime the leaves have fully developed – However June-July is optimal timing. Once we have treated your beech tree, it will need to be done every 2 years to protect it from the Nematode.
How long do we have?
- Small saplings may succumb to BLD in a year or two.
- Larger trees can die within 7 to 10 years. However rapid decline often happens much sooner.
Beech Leaf Disease (BLD) was first detected in Pennsylvania in 2016 – Unfortunately, the disease has already spread rapidly in our region and as of 2023 was found in all 67 counties in Pennsylvania.
UNTREATED TREES WILL INEVITABLY DIE
THE TIME TO ACT IS NOW!
HELP US SAVE THE BEECH TREES AND PRESERVE THE ONES ON YOUR PROPERTY!
Waiting until next year may be too late.
CONTACT US TO LEARN MORE AND SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATION!
CALL: Shamus Nugent — 570-856-1808
E-MAIL: Nugentsarboriculture@gmail.com