diseased beech trees
February 21st, 2006
On Feb. 19th, while walking the Beech Woods Trail at Charleston Lake, we stopped to examine and photograph a number of the Beech trees in what is perhaps the largest grove [UTM 18T 0417899, 4927880 (WGS84)]. We’ve noticed quite a few showing signs of disease over the past couple of years, but it’s now looking as though a very large number of the trees are in bad shape. Some of the very large trees are rotted right through and very unstable, such as in the above example. Quite a number of the younger trees are also showing signs of disease. It’s quite distressing to see such extensive damage. I’d also have to say that the trees are becoming something of a safety hazard for hikers along this trail as there are so many that are looking about to fall any time now.
This is a USDA Forest Service factsheet on Beech Bark Disease.
NOTE: Click on above photo to see a larger image.
Tags: Beech trees, Beech Bark Disease
[…] Unfortunately, this favourite Beech cluster is in pretty tough shape now. Over the past couple of years, the trees have rapidly deteriorated, losing a number of branches. Last autumn, the largest broke and fell over to block the hiking trail. The rest are showing signs of disease - probably Beech Bark Disease, a problem which we’ve been seeing throughout this area in recent years. It’s a sad thing to be losing so many of these wonderful old trees. - bev […]
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