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An unusual growth has affected a copper beech tree which I have in a property with relatively high humidit levels from irrigation in a Mediterranean climate. (Rocas de Santo Domingo, Chile). Can yoy help me identify the the growth? Thank you,
AnswerDear Michael, I'm sorry that it has taken me so long to get back to you, but I had to do a bit of research to make sure that I was giving you the correct advice. I learned that while the copper beech tree is native to North America and I think the United Kingdom, it is often available as an ornamental elsewhere. One thing that this tree doesn't tolerate well is wet soils, so you might see if you can do something to limit the water to it. The main problem affecting copper beech is something called beech bark disease which looks a lot like your picture, and is a fungal disease that is initially spread by scale insects, which are hard shelled unmoving insects that coat the tree in hard covered little dots. It is hard to be certain that this is the exact same disease, but a fungal growth on a beech tree is never a good thing. Do whatever you can to try to remove this growth, because it may eventually kill the tree. I don't know what environmental guidelines you have in Chile, but spray the tree with fungicides to try to kill the fungus, and if you think you see scale insects (remember they won't be moving), I would spray with insecticides and light horticultural oil as well. If you don't have many available pest products, look for a product containing NEEM, which is a botanical extract having both insecticidal and fungicidal properties. If you have only one tree of this type, try to clean off the tree, and you may have to do some pruning; if you have a lot of these trees and only one is affected, I would probably remove that one tree. It is not an easy thing to do, and you will have to spray probably several times at least, but it could save the tree. The very best of luck to you. Melissa
