Knowledgebase

What is happening to my tree #932410

Asked May 20, 2026, 2:57 PM EDT

This is the second year the leaves on this tree have seemed skimpy and some branches do not look good. What is happening and is there anything I can do? Thanks for your help. Amy

Harford County Maryland

Expert Response

It's hard to see enough detail in the photos at that distance, and plant ID is very important for diagnostics, but it appears to be a beech tree with Beech Leaf Disease. The condition has been spreading widely and fairly rapidly in our region over the past few years, and there currently is no cure. Researchers are studying the efficacy of certain fungicides (an arborist would need to apply it) to suppress the nematode that causes the disease. You can learn more on the linked page, and may want to work with a certified arborist for any treatment approaches or evaluations of the tree's current state of health/decline. An arborist can also help verify the tree species ID and the tentative diagnosis.

Miri
Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied May 20, 2026, 3:04 PM EDT
Thank you. I am pretty sure it is a beech tree. 
Thanks for your help. I’ll take a look at the link and follow up with an arborist. I’d hate to see the tree die. 
Best,
Amy 
Sent from my iPhone

On May 20, 2026, at 3:04 PM, Ask Extension wrote:


The Question Asker Replied May 20, 2026, 3:10 PM EDT
You're welcome.
Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied May 20, 2026, 3:18 PM EDT

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