Should I Plant a Beech Tree?

If you’re considering planting a Beech tree into your landscape, you might want to reconsider. If you didn’t know, there is unfortunately a new disease that is killing all Beech trees, both American and European, called Beech Leaf Disease. It doesn’t appear to be a disease that might or might not effect your trees. Based on the Nursery Inspector that was recently on our property to certify our nursery, it’s a disease that is already prevalent throughout Litchfield and Fairfield County. She said it is spreading quickly throughout the state. What a shame! We have a beautiful Fagus ‘Red Obelisk’ specimen in front of our house, 8 more in our nursery as well as many Fagus grandiflora in our woods that either have the disease or have recently died from the disease. The European Beech is considered the grandfather of specimen trees and it appears they will all be dead within the next couple of years as there currently is no cure for Beech Leaf Disease. You can supposedly slow the decline with regular phosphorus drenches. I’m hoping I can slow the decline long enough for a cure to be developed. Multiple universities are working towards a cure.

It’s easy to see if your trees are infected. Look up at the leaves on a sunny day and look for dark spots that run between the leaf veins. Our forests in Connecticut are filled with American Beeches that host, feed and support a variety of wildlife. Lets hope there is a cure before all the trees succumb to the disease. Three universities are dedicating a lot of time and resources to find a cure. Hopefully, one is found before it’s too late. Let’s hope!

Richard Schipul

For the last 30 years, I have owned the landscape company Designing Eden LLC based in New Milford, CT. We offer landscape designs, landscape installations and garden maintenance services in Fairfield and Litchfield County Connecticut. I am currently the only Nationally Certified Landscape Designer in Litchfield County and sit on the board of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers and Mad Gardeners.

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1 thought on “Should I Plant a Beech Tree?”

Ann
October 3, 2022 at 4:34 pm

Thank you for the Beech Tree information. I have a 60 year old magnificent tree. It occupies a significant place not only in my yard but also in my heart. Gratefully, Ann

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