Category: Insects & Diseases

What is Beech Bark Disease?

5/14/2020

Beech bark disease is a huge threat to the American Beech and is widespread in the northeastern part of the United States. It is created by two invasive species: a fungus and the beech scale insect. In 1890, beech scale was first brought to Nova Scotia.

Later, it spread throughout much of the U.S. causing beech bark disease to extend in much of these areas. The disease happens when the bark of a tree is first attacked by the beech scale insect and is then eventually destroyed by the fungus.

Beech Bark Disease Stages

Beech bark infestation can take up to six years to progress after beech scale attacks the forest. The disease progresses in three stages: the aftermath zone, the advancing front, and the killing front. In the advancing front, the tree gets infested by the beech scale insect. In this stage, the beech scale destroys the tree's bark.

The stage afterwards is known as the killing front, which happens when a fungus contaminates trees within the damaged bark created by the scale insect. This usually happens some time while after the insects enter the woods. Lastly, the aftermath zone happens when trees die. Big trees may stay in the forest if they are resistant to the beech scale and the fungus.

Visual Signs

There are many obvious indicators that the beech disease is in the forest. White blotches covering a tree's trunk might denote the infestation of the beech scale insect. After beech scale gets established, beech bark disease is almost unavoidable.

Later indicators of an infection include brown and red spots on the bark of a tree. During the aftermath zone, trees might be broken by harsh winds. This is referred to as beech snap. Call an arborist with Harrisburg Tree Service if you believe your tree is infested. You may need to consider tree removal from your landscaping.

Impacts on the Ecosystem

The ecosystems of forests are highly impacted by this disease. Horde of animals and birds depend on the American Beech species for habitat and food. Chipmunks, turkeys, black bears, grey squirrels, and deer are just a couple of examples of animals that feed on beech nuts. In addition, numerous species of raptors and hawks nest in beech trees.

I Think My Tree Is Dying

2/14/2019

A dying tree in a forest is nature running its course. However, a dying tree in your landscape can create issues for other trees and anything else nearby.

If you have trees near or around your house, it's a good idea to watch their progress and to take action if you believe your tree is dying.

First, it's vital to be sure your tree is very sick. This might sound like common sense, but some trees will show signs of illness as part of their seasonal cycles. Some trees will temporarily appear sick because of normal seasonal dieback. Therefore, the first step to identifying if a tree is dying is to classify the tree to ensure it's not just acting like it's supposed to.

It's also vital to remember that not all reasons for tree sickness are pest-related. Illnesses can be the result of diseases, adverse weather (storms and droughts), and improper planting. It is best to schedule a tree inspection with a Harrisburg arborist.

Signs your tree may be dying

Too much leaning - Trees leaning far away from their initial position aren't in the best shape. Trees that were once straight and are leaning are probably the victims of root damage or strong winds.
Tree cracks - These are deep breaks in the tree’s bark that can be hard to detect. A few trees should have cracks. But deep tears can bring on severe problems and signify that your tree is dying.
Trees and cankers - Cankers are unpleasant for both trees and humans. In trees, cankers are spots of dead bark, the result of a fungal or bacterial infection. These infections get inside the tree via an open wound, and the stress of the disease makes the bark to become drawn up or drop off the tree.
Wood indicates decay - Decay is frequently difficult to spot since it usually begins inside the tree. There are plenty of signs of deterioration that you can see, such as spores on the stems, branches, or roots, stems are signs of decay.

Arborists can help

You should get in touch with a Harrisburg arborist. These professionals can help you assess the health of your tree and discuss with you if tree removal is necessary.

Harrisburg Tree Blog

What is Beech Bark Disease?

I Think My Tree Is Dying

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