There is still time to check Michigan trees for signs of beech leaf disease.
Invasive beech leaf disease was first confirmed in Michigan in St. Clair County in July 2022. Since then, it has been detected in Lenawee, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties.
The disease is associated with the microscopic worm Litylenchus crenatae, a nematode. The worm enters and spends the winter in leaf buds. This causes damage to the leaf tissue on American, European and Asian beech species.
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. You can identify them by their smooth bark. They provide food and shelter for wildlife.
It’s not too late to check trees for disease
Simeon Wright, Michigan Department of Natural Resources forest health specialist, said beech trees can be checked for signs of the disease even in the fall.
“We’ve now seen beech leaf disease in both woodlots and individual urban trees in southeast Michigan. The disease causes dark, thick bands between leaf veins, which can be seen on both green and brown leaves,” Wright in 2022. “If you have beech trees, take time now to look for symptoms.”
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No known treatment for beech leaf disease
There is no known treatment for beech leaf diseases.
If it spreads through Michigan it could have a “devastating” effect on beech trees. The disease was first detected in Ohio in 2012. It was then found in other states and Ontario. There are nine states with confirmed cases of beech leaf disease.
It is possible the disease spread through the movement of infested nursery stock and other beech material containing leaves and buds. Beech trees, tree material and firewood should not be moved from areas of known infestation.
Beech trees are already under attack from beech bark disease.
What are the symptoms?
The nematodes are associated with damaged leaf tissue, dead buds and darkened, thick tissue bands between leaf bands.
The bands create a striped effect on the leaves. Officials said it’s easier to notice by looking upward at trees on a sunny day.
The leaf curling and distortion progress over time, resulting in withered, dried or yellow leaves and a thin canopy. Leaf loss is noticeable in early summer on heavily infested trees.
Why is it a problem?
Officials said very little is known about the disease. It’s unclear if the nematode is the primary cause of the disease or just a carrier of another agent responsible for the disease.
“Many questions about beech leaf disease remain unanswered,” Wright said in 2022. “Because of this, we don’t yet know all the ways the disease might be spread, and currently there are no known treatments to protect trees or reduce disease impacts. State agencies are working with the U.S. Forest Service, several other states, Ontario and Michigan State University to better understand the disease and the potential effects it will have in Michigan’s forests.”
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What can you do?
If you believe you have found a symptomatic tree you should take photos, including close-ups of the leaves. Take note of the location, date and time -- then report the tree through one of the following ways:
- DNR Forest Health Division: Email DNR-FRD-Forest-Health@Michigan.gov or call 517-284-5895.
- Use the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN) online reporting tool.
- Download the MISIN smartphone app and report from your phone – MISIN.MSU.edu/apps/.
Look-alike diseases
There are other, more common diseases that could be mistaken for beech leaf disease. They can be managed by regular tree maintenance or with the help of a certified aborist.
- Beech leaf curl aphid causes puckering and curling at the leaf margin, with aphids or their cast skins usually visible inside the curled areas of the leaf, but usually isn’t harmful to tree health.
- Erineum patch, caused by eriophyid mites, creates light green or yellowish to orange patches on the upper side of the leaf, rarely affecting overall tree health.
- Anthracnose creates small brown or black spots on leaves that eventually cause dead areas. New leaves may curl. Fungi infect leaves and stems and are most active in wet spring seasons, with a limited impact on tree health.
- Powdery mildew, affecting many trees and shrubs, causes beech leaves to turn yellow. It may cause defoliation but won’t kill beech trees.
Click here to learn more about beech leaf disease and other species on the watch list.