Diseases of Beech Trees: Beech Bark Disease
Beech bark disease (BBD) is one of the most serious diseases of beech trees that attack beech trees in our area.
What is Beech Bark Disease?
Beech Bark Disease (BBD) is a fatal infection caused by the deadly combination of an invasive beech scale insect (Cryptococcus fagisuga) and a canker fungus (Neonectria spp.). The beech scale insect feeds on the tree, which causes cracks in the bark. After this, the fungus takes root in the wounds of the now weakened tree. The fungus spreads through the tree and eventually kills it. It now poses a significant threat to beech trees in Ontario.
How dangerous is Beech Bark Disease?
This is one of the most devastating diseases of beech trees. The Invasive Species Centre estimates that 50 to 85% of beech trees infected with Beech Bark Disease will die within 10 years.
Which types of trees are affected by Beech Bark Disease?
Beech Bark Disease affects many of the beech species in Ontario, primarily American beech (Fagus grandifolia) and European beech (F. sylvatica L.).
Damage caused by Beech Bark Disease
This disease can potentially cause widespread damage to the beech population in our area. It causes extensive cankering, tree deformity and eventually death of the trees.
