Invasive disease that threatens beech trees has been discovered in Maine

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • June 7, 2021

Beech leaf disease — a disease that has led to the destruction of beech trees from Ohio to southern New England — has been confirmed in Maine and added to the state’s invasive species list. The find is concerning to Maine’s tree experts. “Beech trees are a pretty significant component of our forests in Maine and ecologically important to mammals, birds and insects,” said Aaron Bergdahl, state pathologist with the Maine Forest Service. “The leaves are high in nitrogen so the tree is important to soil nutrition.”