In this Cleveland.com article, Davey Tree plays a role in researching beech leaf disease to understand the disease and prevent it from claiming more trees. 

Posted: July 02, 2025

A large beech tree with green foliage standing tall in front of a stone building.When Reader Pam emailed photos of curled, “sad” leaves on beech trees in her backyard and in a neighboring Cleveland Metropark, the diagnosis was unfortunately quick: beech leaf disease was affecting her tree canopy. The hard part was finding out what, if anything, a Northeast Ohio home gardener can do and whether we should start preparing for another round of deforestation, just as we are recovering from the devastation to ash trees over the last decade.

BLD, which primarily affects American beech (Fagus grandifolia), was first identified—not just in Ohio, but anywhere—in Lake County in 2012. Since then, it has spread eastward all the way to Maine and into southern Ontario, though more slowly to the west and south. In heavily affected areas, up to 30% of beech trees are killed within seven years of contracting BLD. The leaves darken between the veins, curl, become leathery, and eventually lead to tree thinning or even death.

To continue reading this article, click here. 

The Davey Tree Expert Company, headquartered in Kent, Ohio, provides research-driven tree services, grounds maintenance and environmental and utility infrastructure consulting for residential, utility, commercial and environmental partners in the U.S. and Canada. As one of the top ten largest employee-owned companies in the U.S., Davey's 12,000 employees have been dedicated to creating and delivering sustainable solutions since 1880. Apply today to join the Davey legacy, and learn about how we're growing with our new SEED Campus

Other News Posts

028A0850 5074X6342 05693E7 (1)
Davey In The News

Why Fall Colors in Ontario Might Be Duller and Earlier This Year

Ian Laidlaw from Davey's Ottawa office gives insight into why Ontario trees have started changing colors early this year.
Read More
028A0979 7026X5019 0D15e12
Davey In The News

Leaves on Trees Falling Early in Edmonton

Kevin Sproule from Davey's Edmonton office talks about the early-changing leaves in Edmonton this fall. 
Read More
Two Employees (1)
Two Employees (1)

Get In Touch With Us!

We pride ourselves at Davey Tree on providing prompt, professional and personalized service from certified arborists that live, work and engage in your community. Contact one of our Davey Tree specialists for your residential, commercial, utility, or environmental needs.

Let's Find What
You're Looking For!