This presentation covers key threats to beech trees, including phytophthora, beech bark disease, wood decay pathogens, foliar-feeding arthropods, and beech leaf disease. It will outline the history, life cycle, and symptoms of the nematode causing beech leaf disease, its effects on tree health, current management strategies, recent research, and potential replacement species.

Dr. Beth Brantley

Dr. Beth Brantley is a Research Scientist with the Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories, conducting research in arboriculture and providing diagnostic support and public outreach. Her background and interests include plant pathology, forestry, silviculture and tree risk assessment. Beth is currently involved in research with beech leaf disease, red pine scale treatments, and hornbeam diseases. She works closely with Bartlett Tree Experts offices in the northeast and is based in New Hampshire. Beth taught forestry, plant biology and related courses at Penn State Mont Alto for more than 20 years before joining Bartlett in 2019.…