Beech Bark

[AndyWebb]

Hi 

 

I've read a bit about beech bark disease. Do you think this is it ? The white material was mostly under ivy and the red patches are small but spread more widely.

 

Cheers

 

Andy

 

[JSN]

Yes I would say so - the white patches are from the scale insect, which is the vector for the disease, (the red patches).

 

https://www.rhs.org.uk/biodiversity/beech-scale

 

https://cdn.forestresearch.gov.uk/1987/03/fcbu069.pdf

[AndyWebb]

Thanks. What's the appropriate thing to do ? The tree seems ok otherwise. Should I have it removed or can it live successfully with the disease ? Cheers.

[JSN]

Unfortunately that’s impossible to answer without seeing the tree and carrying out a thorough inspection.  However, that said, BBD isn’t usually a problem until it’s in an advanced stage, where it has ‘killed’ large amounts of bark, but by which time secondary pathogens may well be an issue in your declining tree. 
If in any doubt about your trees health / stability, it’s best to commission an independent inspection and report to establish the situation. 
In the meantime you could scrub the scale insect off with a stiff brush and mild detergent - I’ve also heard that it can be pressure washed off, but never done it myself.