Peninsula Tree Steward Coordinator Carol King sent an email last week with two interesting photos of a species of aphid that attacks beech trees. The photos were taken by Connie Motley, a James City County Master Gardener, Peninsula Tree Steward, and Historic Rivers Master Naturalist, of the aphid infestation on a beech tree on her property.
The majestic American beech (Fagus grandifolia) is an iconic tree of eastern North American forests, a symbol of strength and fortitude, prized for the beauty of its summer crown of dark green leaves. Unfortunately, the beech tree faces a number of insect pests and fungal diseases that cause varying degrees of damage to leaves, branches, and bark. Other species of beech, including European beech (Fagus sylvatica), also are affected.
Whenever we hear the word “blight” attached to a tree problem, we fear the worst, but the Beech Blight Aphid (Grylloprociphilus imbricator) is the least serious of the three pests discussed today.
The light bluish-gray ...