Question
I have a tricolor beech tree, about 5 years old now.  It's been a wet spring in Missouri but have noticed that all of the leaves have curled and look sickly.  Can you tell me whats wrong with it and what I need to do to help it?  It's a beautiful tree and I'd hate to lose it.  

Thanks,

Answer
Dear John, It has indeed been a very wet spring in Missouri because it has made the news in Texas.  You have been underwater a great deal, and even for unflooded areas, the ground has been very saturated.  This alone can very well be the reason that your beech tree has had problems.  Beech trees really don't like to be disturbed once planted, so assuming no major digging has been done near the tree, and nothing else has changed, then I would assume that the wet conditions are the problem, and the tree should be drying out.  Are there any signs of fungus or insects, any wounds in the tree?  This would indicate that there was another problem.  If the area is still wet, you could dig some small drainage ditches away from the tree, and that would help.  Other than that, you may just have to wait it out.  The tree will probably recover, but you may have to wait a few months to know for sure. Please feel free to write back if you notice any new symptoms.  Good luck, Melissa