In this TribLive article, Luke Werner from Davey's North Pittsburgh office discusses a nematode killing beech trees in Pennsylvania and how to spot the signs.
Pennsylvania naturalists are keeping an eye on a disease that has been killing beech trees in the eastern U.S. for more than a decade, but has begun spreading more rapidly in the past three years.
Beech leaf disease is believed to be caused by a particular type of nematode, which is a microscopic, threadlike worm.
It was first discovered in Ohio in 2012. As of 2025, it has been found in all 67 Pennsylvania counties, according to Luke Werner, district manager for the Pittsburgh North office of Davey tree and landscaping company.
“It’s definitely a serious issue, and not just for the landscape world,” Werner said. “American beech trees are very prevalent in Western Pennsylvania and beyond.”
To continue reading Luke's advice, click here.
For more information, contact the North Pittsburgh office.
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.
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