Plant Geek Alert: What’s Happening to My Birch and Beech Trees?

By Lakeview Nurseries – Your Local Plant Geeks right here in Lunenburg, MA

We’ve been hearing from quite a few of you lately about your birch trees looking a little… under the weather. Leaves are curling, browning, or dropping early—and it’s not just the birches. Our majestic beech trees are also showing signs of distress. So let’s geek out for a minute and talk about what’s going on, what you can do about it.

Birch Trees: Under Attack from Anthracnose

What is Birch Anthracnose?
Birch Anthracnose is a fungal disease that thrives in our classic New England spring: cool, wet, and unpredictable. The fungus overwinters on fallen leaves and twigs, then goes to town once the weather warms up and the rain starts falling.

Symptoms to Watch For:

• Brown or black spots on the leaves

• Curling or wilting foliage

• Premature leaf drop (especially on the lower branches)

• Twigs dying back at the tips

What Can You Do?
The good news? It’s treatable! We recommend:
🧪 Bonide Infuse Systemic Disease Control – This powerful fungicide works from the inside out, protecting new growth and stopping fungal spread.
🍃 Bonide Copper Fungicide – For those who prefer a more organic approach, this is a solid preventative, especially early in the season.

Pro Plant Geek Tip: Rake up and dispose of fallen leaves, and prune out infected twigs to reduce the source of infection. It’s all about good garden hygiene!

Beech Trees: The Bigger Problem—Beech Leaf Disease

This one’s tough to talk about. Beech Leaf Disease (BLD) is spreading fast through Massachusetts, and sadly, there’s no proven cure yet. Caused by a microscopic nematode (yeah, a worm!), this disease is fatal to beech trees over time—and we’re starting to see early signs here in Lunenburg.

Symptoms to Look For:

• Dark striping between leaf veins

• Curling or thickened leaves

• Early leaf drop

• Sparse, stunted growth at the top of the canopy

Unfortunately, BLD is still being researched, and there’s no real treatment available. Our best advice:

• Keep your trees as healthy as possible with regular watering and mulching

• Avoid pruning in wet conditions

• Monitor your trees closely and consult with us early if you spot signs

The Honest Truth: We’re plant geeks, not miracle workers. But we are your best line of defense when it comes to spotting problems early and giving you practical, science-backed advice.

Stop by & Let’s Talk Trees

At Lakeview we’re not just here to sell you stuff—we’re your neighborhood plant nerds, ready to roll up our sleeves and help you figure out what’s happening in your yard. Need a product recommendation? Bring in a leaf sample. Want to vent about how this weather is messing with your garden? We get it.

Let’s get those birches and beeches looking better. And don’t worry—we’ve got your back (and your bark).