Beech Tree

Question: What is this insect/fungus on the leaves of my Beech Tree (European, I believe)? Is it detrimental to the tree and if so, what can I do to help get rid of it?

responder: Julie Crick  Replied June 27, 2023, 11:36 AM EDT
response: Hi Kelly, This is likely leaf scorch, caused by the delicate leaves being exposed to full sun and afternoon heat. Beech are a shade tolerant tree that normally grow in the understory, or in forested conditions. When they are planted as yard trees, they receive more sun than usual, and may experience scorch, especially given the weather conditions over the last 2 months (hot, dry, endless sun).  The tree will be ok. For long term, you might thinking about planting another tree to the west of it, if possible, to give the tree some shade. Of course, I'm not sure of the specifics for your current tree; perhaps this is already the case.  I found an article on this, albeit from a newspaper, so there are ads. Gives a good description of the issue in more detail.  https://www.pennlive.com/gardening/2014/09/new_beech_trees_leaves_are_bro.html If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.  Thank you, -Julie

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 29, 2023, 7:48 AM EDT
response: Thanks for responding so quickly. So, leaf scorch would cause the white insect and possibly eggs of the insect seen on the leaves? When I first noticed the white patches they appeared like cottonwood shedding but that appearance has now gone away.We do have a much taller tree planted to the west.On Tue, Jun 27, 2023, 11:36 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Julie Crick  Replied June 29, 2023, 8:55 AM EDT
response: Hi Kelly, My apologies for forgetting to address the aphids! They are likely woolly beech aphids. Aphids feed on the sap of trees and may exude a sticky substance that will coat everything below the tree. Their feeding may also cause the leaf to curl, as it has in the image provided.  https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/fact-sheets/beech-blight-aphid As the article above mentions, there is no consensus on if the aphids damage the tree other than curling the leaves; in some cases small branch dieback has been reported?  Unless the numbers continue to grow, I would avoid treatment as aphids have a number of natural predators. Insecticide will kill both the aphids and the predators; if aphids remain, predator control will be lacking, allowing the aphids to reproduce rapidly.  That said, if you wish to treat them, the article below has some suggestions. As always, please read and follow label directions when using insecticide.  https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/beech-blight-aphid Thank you, -Julie PS These are also called the "boogy woogy" aphids because, when disturbed, all of the aphids in the area will raise up and sway back and forth. This is always a delight to see!!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 30, 2023, 2:31 PM EDT
response: Thank you! It is a relief to know that at this time the aphids are not detrimental. It was amazing when I first saw them. At first glance I thought cottonwood seeds where getting stuck then realized it was wavy insect.Thanks again.On Thu, Jun 29, 2023, 8:55 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: