There's a new tree disease spreading across NJ, and officials are asking for help

Scott Fallon, NorthJersey.com
·2 min read

Threats to New Jersey's trees have long been a problem — from the chestnut blight of last century to more recent invasions such as a beetle wiping out thousands of ash trees and spotted lanternflies feasting on fruit trees.

Now state officials are warning the public about a new malady: beech leaf disease.

The New Jersey Forest Service began asking the public on Monday to report any signs of the disease, which begins with dark bands between leaf veins that may only be visible at first when a leaf is held up to light. Leaves may become brown and leathery as the disease progresses, culminating with defoliation and the death of the tree in two to seven years.

First discovered 10 years ago in Ohio, the disease has spread across several states in the Midwest and Northeast. It was found in Bergen and Essex counties two years ago and has since been observed in 10 more New Jersey counties.

The disease could infect New Jersey's 12 million beech trees, which are found across the state in backyards, along main streets and in forests.

"To lose beech trees from the landscape and ecosystem will have significant environmental impacts, which is why we are asking for the public’s help," said John Cecil, assistant commissioner of state parks, forests and historic sites.

The disease is believed to be caused by an infestation of microscopic worms. But little is known about how it spreads and what, if anything, can be used to treat it, officials said Monday.

It affects native and ornamental beech trees, including American, European and Oriental beech, along with weeping and copper beech.

“The threat of losing yet another native tree species from our forests within a short period of time can exacerbate an already strained system,” said John Sacco, the state forester.

What to do: Report the disease

Residents who suspect that a beech tree may be infected are urged to contact the New Jersey Forest Service at foresthealth@dep.nj.gov or 609-292-2532.

Where beech leaf disease has been spotted in New Jersey

These are the counties where beech leaf disease has been observed:

  • Bergen

  • Passaic

  • Morris

  • Sussex

  • Essex

  • Union

  • Somerset

  • Monmouth

  • Burlington

  • Mercer

  • Warren

  • Hunterdon

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Beech leaf tree disease spreads across NJ. What it is, what to do