The disease has not been reported in Michigan on ornamental landscape trees. In its early stages, beech scale insects, which target both American and European beeches, can be brushed or hosed off the bark. By itself, the scale insect is not a big concern for beech tree health. But by piercing the bark, it leaves openings accessible to a fungus that kills the trees. The best defense for home owners is to make sure beech trees are properly fertilized and watered, said Dr. Dave Roberts, a plant pathologist with the MSU Extension.
Healthy trees are better able to fight off scale.
Insecticides are recommended only when the scale is confirmed. Home owners with questions should call their county's office of the MSU Extension. Forest experts say it was inevitable the lethal disease would eventually show up in Michigan forests. It probably has been here, undetected, for some time, they say. Still, they are dismayed by the disease's potential toll.