Barts Tree Service

Call us today at 203-240-1302

Serving Ridgefield, New Fairfield,
Redding, Bethel, Brookfield, Newtown, Weston, Danbury,
Wilton, Westport, Woodbury, and surrounding areas
  • Home
  • Tree Care +
    • Pruning
    • Tree Removal
    • Stump Grinding
    • Tree Health Care
    • Tree Cabling and Bracing
    • Firewood
    • 24/7 Emergency Tree Services
  • Tick Control
    • Tick Control & Tick Spraying Programs
    • Facts About Ticks in Connecticut
  • FAQs
  • Blog
  • About +
    • About Us
    • Service Area
    • Photo Gallery
    • Customer Reviews
  • Contact

DISEASE ALERT – Beech Leaf Disease in Fairfield & Litchfield Counties, CT

Dark stripes on bld-infected beech leaves viewed from below.

Dark stripes on BLD-infected beech leaves viewed from below.

If your beech tree has dark lines on its leaves, it’s probably suffering from Beech Leaf Disease (BLD).

Since it was first discovered in Ohio in 2012, BLD has quickly spread to other states. Scientists from Connecticut’s Agricultural Experiment Station first verified Beech Leaf Disease near Stamford, Connecticut in 2019.

Beech Leaf Disease is now found on American beech (Fagus grandifolia) throughout Connecticut. Symptoms are most severe in Fairfield, New Haven, Middlesex, and New London Counties.

Learn the most up-to-date news about beech leaf disease in Connecticut, including:

  • How to recognize beech leaf disease,
  • Which types of beech tree this disease affects,
  • What causes BLD,
  • Treatment options (hint: there currently aren’t any),
  • Preventing beech leaf disease, and
  • What to do if you spot signs of beech leaf disease on your trees.

Not sure if you have beech trees on your property? Check this beech tree identification guide.

Dark, curling leaves are a symptom of beech leaf disease.

Dark, curling, and deformed leaves are a symptom of Beech Leaf Disease.

Symptoms of Beech Leaf Disease

While some aspects of Beech Leaf Disease may look similar to other tree problems, there are distinct symptoms that clearly identify the issue as BLD. If you notice any of the following symptoms, call a Certified Arborist for a tree inspection and diagnosis.

  • Dark stripes on leaves – Beech leaf disease is best identified by bands of dark green tissue between the leaf veins. Stand under your tree and look up at the tree canopy; if any bands are present on the leaves, they’ll be more easily seen that way.
  • Thicker leaves – Infected leaves (those with dark stripes) tend to become thicker and have a leather-like consistency.
  • Curling leaves – Beech tree leaves may also begin to curl as the disease progresses.
  • Stunted leaf buds – As new growth emerges in spring, the buds will be smaller and have a yellowish tinge.
  • Smaller leaves – New leaves on affected trees tend to be significantly smaller than the previous leaves.
  • Branch and tip dieback – Smaller branches start to die from the tip.
  • Canopy thinning – The striped, curling leaves will eventually drop, and fewer new leaves will grow. All of these things lead to the entire tree canopy appearing thinner and less dense.
  • Dying trees – Young trees typically die from beech leaf disease within two to five years of becoming infected. Larger trees may survive up to six years.

Beech Leaf Disease often spreads from the base of a tree’s crown to its top, but there is no consistent pattern.

You may see healthy leaves interspersed with mildly or severely diseased leaves on the same twig or branch anywhere on a beech tree. It can be hard to spot Beech Leaf Disease in a large tree’s crown if there are only a few scattered areas of leaf damage showing.

Symptoms observed in foliage this year are the result of an infection that started last year. In autumn, nematodes migrate from infected foliage into nearby buds, where they overwinter and reproduce. When buds start to grow in spring, they’re already damaged, leading to stunted growth and smaller leaves.

BLD Has Worsened in CT in 2022

Symptoms of BLD have been particularly severe this year. Many leaves didn’t sprout at all, and the leaves that did grow were so damaged that they almost look waterlogged. We’ve seen leaves starting to fall as early as June. What’s been especially shocking is the impact on large trees – some have just a quarter of the canopy they usually have.

Beech Bark Disease Makes Trees More Susceptible to BLD

Many older beech trees are already impacted by another serious disease, called beech bark disease.

This unusual disease is caused by a combination of a scale insect that feeds on beech trees and a native fungus that ultimately kills the tree. The insect wounds the bark while feeding, leaving an entry point for the fungus. Over time, the combination results in extensive areas of dead bark and eventually kills the tree. 
Researchers believe that bark disease weakens beech trees and makes them more susceptible to severe effects caused by beech leaf disease.

Types of Beech Trees Affected by BLD

Beech leaf disease currently only affects beech trees, but it impacts all varieties, including:

  • American beech (Fagus grandifolia),
  • European beech (Fagus sylvatica), including the ornamental copper or purple beech, and
  • Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis).

According to the U.S. Forest Service’s inventory data (from January 2021), the American beech is the third most abundant tree species in Connecticut, after red maple and black birch. Beech trees are found in just over 40 percent of the state’s forested lands and researchers estimate that Connecticut has about 57 million beech trees in total. Given the high mortality rate of BLD-infected trees, we could be facing a huge die-off that will completely change the makeup of our native forests.

Dark stripes on beech leaves are signs of beech leaf disease.

Dark stripes on beech leaves are a sign of beech leaf disease. Image courtesy of Dr. Robert E. Marra, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station.

Causes of Beech Leaf Disease

Beech leaf disease is caused by a foliar nematode (microscopic worm) called Litylenchus crenatae subsp. mccannii. 

Researchers aren’t entirely certain how the nematode spreads, but it does travel on water. It’s possible that frequent or heavy rains allow the nematodes to spread more easily, leading to more widespread and severe effects the following year.

Beech Leaf Disease has been found on isolated islands, such as Fishers Island 2 miles off the Connecticut coast. As a result, scientists speculate that the nematodes may also be carried by birds.

Beech Leaf Disease Treatment Options

As of the writing of this article, there is no treatment for beech leaf disease. Different treatment methods are being tested but nothing has yet been proven effective.

The one option that shows some promise involves treatments with a phosphonate-based product. However, it’s not a matter of treating your beech tree once and thinking it’ll be protected. Because BLD is widespread in forests, the nematode that causes the disease will continuously affect landscape trees – even those that have received treatment. This means that controlling the disease on your property will require ongoing, long-term treatment.

The tree care professionals at Barts Tree Service are monitoring the news about this and other tree issues. We’ll keep you posted about any new BLD treatments and will offer treatments that have been proven effective as soon as they become available.

Call us to schedule an inspection and to learn the latest updates on beech leaf disease in the Fairfield County and Litchfield County areas.

Preventing Beech Leaf Disease

Until there is a proven treatment for beech leaf disease, your best bet is to focus on prevention.

Keep Your Trees Healthy

Pests and diseases are more likely to attack trees that are already stressed. Proper maintenance, watering, and pruning can all help to keep your beech trees healthy.

Adding organic mulch around your trees can also protect them. Plus, it will add nutrients to the soil, as long as the mulch is applied correctly.

Fertilization may also benefit any trees that need a little extra TLC.

Check Your Beech Trees Regularly

Periodically check your beech trees for any symptoms of beech leaf disease. 

Beech trees can suffer from other issues, such as beech bark disease, so it’s important to promptly treat any destructive pests or diseases on your trees.

Contact Barts Tree Service

With the many tree pests and diseases prevalent in our area, it can be difficult to tell what’s affecting your trees.

That’s why we offer professional pest and disease diagnosis through our consultations and tree health management services.

Trees are a valuable resource and we want to help you keep yours healthy and strong!

Contact us today to request your professional tree evaluation.

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Email

You May Also Like ...

Get Our Monthly Newsletter

Tips and important updates on trees and landscape issues in Connecticut.

>> Learn More

Testimonials

Polite, Prompt & Professional

Every time we use Barts we are more than pleased. Professional and knowledgeable. The crews are so polite and they leave the work area clean and undamaged. Matt responds very promptly to requests and does exactly what we ask him to.

Suzi D.
Brookfield, CT
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
 
Careful & Reasonably Priced

I have used Bart's tree service and was extremely pleased. The crew was very conscious of the fact huge trees were near the house and carefully took down leafed trees without falling on the house or ruining what little lawn I do have.

This time cleanup of falling over trees and an a large dead ash and cedar were removed. ... In (...Read More...)

Catherine M.
Ridgefield, CT
Monday, April 18, 2016
 
Very Professional

Last fall we had many large pine trees cut down and the stumps have been an eyesore ever since. I found Barts online at random, read the reviews, then called. Matt called back the next day, stopped by to see the work, gave a very good price to remove the stumps, and I gave him the job. Matt also recommended to remove 2 other very (...Read More...)

Ken H.
Brookfield, CT
Sunday, May 1, 2016
 
Went Above and Beyond

We highly recommend Barts Tree Service. They were respectful, very hardworking and went above and beyond, exceeding our expectations. They removed 5 large trees plus saplings and wood chipped them all - arriving early morning and all finished by late afternoon. We were at the start of having a new house constructed and advised by (...Read More...)

Tina M.
Sandy Hook, CT
Thursday, October 6, 2016
 
Did a Fabulous Job

We live on a lake front property with a steep topography making tree and landscape work difficult. Barts gave us a fair estimate, arrived promptly and on schedule and did a fabulous job removing trees, shrubs, large limbs with a perfect clean up. We have used three other tree services over the last 11 years and Barts far exceeds t (...Read More...)

Ken K.
New Fairfield
Thursday, September 21, 2017
 
Efficient & Well-Organized

I live on a property with many trees, and I contacted Bart's Tree Service this month (January 2017) when I noticed a damaged tall white oak on my property. The first time I used Bart's Tree Service was in the spring of 2015, and I was impressed with Bart's good service at that time--so I contacted Bart's again to get help with my (...Read More...)

Eloise Swenson
Brookfield, CT
Sunday, February 26, 2017
 
Easy To Work With

Barts Tree Service is very easy to work with. Matt is quick to respond via phone or email and provides an accurate estimate. I have used them for two projects now and Matt and his team have done a great job both times and stayed on budget. If you need any type of tree service call Barts!

Andrew S.
Wilton, CT
Tuesday, June 6, 2017
 
WOW!

This company is by far one of the best experiences we have ever had as home owners! Matt, the owner came to give us an estimate for pruning our apple orchard. He pointed out that it had been done wrong in the past and explained what needed to be done. He spent time showing us what we could do to save money in the future. He is ver (...Read More...)

Scott F.
Danbury, CT (Review from Yelp)
Friday, April 3, 2015
 
Thank You!

Thank you for the beautiful work at our house in Danbury!! The trees have never looked better. We appreciate your eye, and your team's thoroughness and tidiness - not a stray leaf left behind. THANK YOU BART'S TREE SERVICE!!!

Maura Newell J.
Danbury, CT (Review from Yelp)
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
 
Expert Tree Service

Matt and crew showed up exactly when they said they would and did precisely what I asked them to do. They're real pros and I'll call them next time I need expert tree service.

William G.
Review from Yellowpages.com
Thursday, June 26, 2014
 
Skilled Crew

Bart's Tree Service offers a skilled crew with access to all the equipment and techniques to efficiently do the largest jobs. They have a bucket truck, crane, wood chipper, several tree climbers and are skilled with ropes and pulleys. They carefully removed several large trees which were precariously over my house. I watched in aw (...Read More...)

Rosemarie M.
Review from Yellowpages.com
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
 
A Great Experience

Asked around and got Matt's name. He came right out for a free estimate, very courteous and knowledgeable. He gave me tips on things that I could do myself to save money and explained all his ideas and thoughts. Gave me a great price and came out to do the work very promptly. The crew was very courteous as well. When I had a coupl (...Read More...)

Melissa K.
Sandy Hook (Review from Yelp)
Monday, July 8, 2013
 
The Epitome of Professionalism

Fabulous company! Matt and the rest of the company are the epitome of professionalism. They try very hard to keep the cost reasonable and are flexible in setting up work times. They leave the site in great condition. I highly recommend them!

Megan F.
Review from Google+
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
 
Absolutely Fantastic

Matt and his team are absolutely fantastic. They went above and beyond, were fast, polite and professional. They cleaned up beautifully and they listened well.

Matt knows his trees, shrubs and bushes and he is not out to rip you off. In fact, he gives a very fair price and gets to the job quickly and with safety in mind.

MaryAnn M.
Danbury, CT
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
 
Very knowledgeable

I've worked with several tree firms in the four homes I've lived in, and I can honestly say that Bart's Tree Service is extraordinary.I am very pleased with the efficient and professional work performed by Matt and his servicemen. I needed a variety of work, from pruning to removal throughout the property. As a couple men were i (...Read More...)

Lorraine R.
Ridgefield, CT (Review from Yelp)
Monday, March 31, 2014
 
Did An Excellent Job

I first used Bart's Tree service in 2013 to take down a large catalpa that was splitting at the base. Matt understood our concerns about the septic and his team carefully took down the tree without having any of the trunks go near the septic. They cleaned up the property after the job and did a great job.I contacted Matt again thi (...Read More...)

Justin D.
Review from Google+
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
 
Very Impressed

When Matt came to take a look at the work I needed done, he gave me several options and also made suggestions for taking care of some other issues that I hadn't noticed. There was no pressure and he was very patient with my questions. He gave me an estimate on the spot and stuck to that estimate when all the work was completed. Wh (...Read More...)

John B.
Redding, CT (Review from Yelp)
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
 
Super Responsive

If only ALL contractors were as easy to do business with as Barts Tree Service! The owner, Matt, has always been super responsive to my calls, provides quotes quickly and gets all work done to my quality standards in the time he promises to get them done. His business is highly qualified to do the work and his staff is always ve (...Read More...)

Jessica G.
Danbury, CT (Review from Yelp)
Monday, February 24, 2014
 
Quick Response

Called Bart's Monday morning after my wife heard a bad cracking noise coming from a large maple tree that towers over our kitchen. We were both worried the tree would fall on our roof. Matt came over that afternoon, examined the tree and recommended that a cable be installed to stabilize the tree. A few days later, his crew instal (...Read More...)

Jerry S.
Ridgefield, CT (Review from Yelp)
Thursday, November 6, 2014
 
Careful & Quick

The whole experience was really good.Part of it was luck: Matt was on his way past our neighborhood when I called about the work, and he was able to stop shortly after I called. The price was within the budget, and even though it was a busy time, he was able to get us into the schedule in under a week, which, since it wasn't an em (...Read More...)

Hugh M.
Review from Google+
Monday, October 27, 2014
 
Very Professional!

Barts tree service removed two trees and trimmed another very large tree near power lines at a reasonable price. They were quick responding when we had questions and provided proof of all licensing required. Barts arrived when they said they would and left the property in very good condition despite a difficult property to maneuver on.

Helder P.
Danbury, CT (Review from Yelp)
Friday, March 27, 2015
 
Exceeded My Expectations

Usually, when selecting a tree service, you start by asking friends, relatives, etc. Well being new to our house and area we had to take a shot on a firm we found online. I was not disappointed.

Matt, the owner was personable, Listened carefully to everything we wanted done and gave us a usable fair price on the spot.

Wh (...Read More...)

Gregg S.
Redding, CT (Review from Yelp)
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
 
Reliable, Fast, and Efficient

We've use Barts Tree Service twice for big trees on our property. and have recommended them to all our friends. Matt Bartelme and his crew are very professional, reliable, fast and efficient. They show up when promised, and clean up when done. We had both trees cut up, chipped and hauled away in no time. Their stump-grinding mac (...Read More...)

Meg B.
Ridgefield, CT (Review from Yelp)
Sunday, June 23, 2013
 
Very Responsive

Job was to Clean up 2 trees of hanging dead branches; Take down 2 large trees and 1 smaller tree; Cut and stack wood; Leave wood chips in pile

Matt was very responsive when called for a quote. He took the time to review not only the trees we had called him for a quote as well as reviewed any needs and suggestions for others wi (...Read More...)

Gayle C.
Southbury, CT (Review from Yelp)
Saturday, May 18, 2013
 
Did a Great Job!

Matt came out and gave us a free estimate after reviewing the work we were requesting to be done. He sent us a detailed proposal for work to be done and cost for each separate item.

His crew arrived within the the time frame and did a great job! Very courteous and before leaving made sure we were happy with the work and left no (...Read More...)

Frank D.
Bethel, CT (Review from Yelp)
Monday, December 15, 2014
 
Excellent Service

Bart's Tree Service provide an excellent service. They were prompt, did what they said they would do and left the yard impeccable after completing a big job. Bart's charged a fair price. I will use them again.

Cindy C.
Ridgefield, CT (Review from Yelp)
Friday, October 31, 2014
 
Prompt, Reliable, and Professional

Great company. Matt is thd best tree guy around Danbury. I used him last year during a snow a snow storm had a tree hanging over my roof he came the next day, Durning the summer we were installing a pool and a large tree was in the way he came took down the tree and ground the stumps and roots that were in the way. Was here this (...Read More...)

Bruce B.
Danbury, CT (Review from Yelp)
Saturday, April 12, 2014
 
Professional Work

I recently used Barts Tree Service for stump grinding and for delivery of premium hardwood firewood. I was impressed with Matt's professionalism, ability to provide a prompt and complete estimate, and his crew's quick completion of the job. It is clear Matt's team is conscious of appropriately completing the job, but also keep (...Read More...)

Brian K.
Weston, CT (Review from Yelp)
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
 
Careful Attention to Detail & Safety

Barts Tree Service is as good as it gets!!!

The owner, Matt is easy to communicate with and spends adequate time listening to the client's needs, explaining the services and answering questions. No surprises here. Everything is done as discussed. The crew is well briefed before they start working.

The level of expertise of e (...Read More...)

Amazing G.
Danbury, CT (Review from Yelp)
Monday, June 9, 2014
 
Trustworthy, Respectful and Talented

We highly recommend Barts Tree Service.

We have used Barts Tree Service a handful of times and have been sincerely impressed every time. The crew, including the owner, are all professional, trustworthy, respectful and talented workers who put care and skill into every job they do.

They are the kind of business you recommend (...Read More...)

Alicia D.
Danbury, CT (Review from Yelp)
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
 
Pleasant and Efficient

We first met Matt, the owner, during Hurricane Irene. A huge pine fell on our house and our neighbor recommended Barts. We called - and he was there before the hurricane was out to sea...no exaggeration. Since then we've had Matt back several times. He is great to work with, his crew is pleasant and efficient, and the prices are great.

A.P.
Ridgefield, CT (Review from Yelp)
Monday, March 4, 2013
 
Very Professional

Cut down 4 trees - a storm-damaged tree leaning on another, and 2 small ones in close proximity. Left the wood, in fireplace-sized logs in the woods; chipped branches and blew them in the woods. Cleaned up debris.

The job went very well. Barts was the only provider who said they would not need to get a truck on our lawn, and (...Read More...)

Customer in Bethel, CT
Saturday, September 14, 2013
 
Hurricane Sandy Clean-Up

Removed trees damaged by hurricane Sandy and ground several stumps on property. Provided an estimate that was very fair, came on the date we had set and did the work promptly and efficiently. This was the third time I had used Barts Tree Service. They are by far the best in the state!

Third-time Customer
Sunday, November 3, 2013
 
Large Tree Removal

Removed two 80′+ Hickory and Oak from front yard, ground stumps below grade, removed logs/braches, removed two smaller 8″ diameter trees and pruned low tree branches in backyard. Repaired lawn expertly where needed.

Fantastic Professional crew, prompt service. After the removal you couldn’t tell any work done – the area was le (...Read More...)

Customer in Sherman, CT
Monday, November 11, 2013
 
Great Stump Grinding Job

I happened to see a sign for Bart's Tree Service stump grinding. I called and got a call back and a visit for an estimate THE SAME DAY. That is almost unheard of....I got an estimate for them to grind two large stumps and also for some tree trimming. Within a week all of the work was complete. Everyone on the crew was great. Nice (...Read More...)

Renee M.
Danbury, CT
Thursday, March 24, 2016
 
An Excellent Job

You did an excellent job. The clean-up was appreciated too. The price was right. You went over and above my expectations. I will highly recommend you to anyone I know, who needs tree removal.

Patti F.
Danbury, CT
Monday, February 29, 2016
 
Thank You

I thank you for your conscientious and dedicated team, a job well done. I will definitely use your company again for my next job.

Peter J.
Friday, August 10, 2018
 
Great people and great service

I called Matt because I wanted some trees taken down in our yard. I was concerned about the health of some of the trees and wasn’t sure which ones to have removed. One tree in particular was damaged in the blizzard and I was worried it would come down on power lines or the street if it wasn’t removed quickly. He and his crew came (...Read More...)

Lisa F.
Friday, August 10, 2018
 
Reliable, On Time, Precision Work

We recently used Barts to remove two large trees on our property. This appeared to be a complicated endeavor as the trees were adjacent to the house. Barts assured us this would not be a problem, a crane was brought in to assist with the removal. Highly recommend this service, they are reliable, on time and performed the removal w (...Read More...)

New Customer
Ridgefield, CT
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
 
Bart's Tree Service is Great!

Matt Bartelme, owner of Bart's Tree Service is a qualified professional who knows trees and his crew is excellent and well trained. Bart's has done work for Aspetuck Land Trust for years and I would highly recommend them to any homeowner or business. Bart's also has a heart and has donated services to the Land Trust to improve h (...Read More...)

Aspetuck Land Trust
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
 
Read more about what customers are saying >>

About Us

  • Customer Reviews
  • Certifications
  • Service Area
  • Community Events
  • News & Press
  • Privacy Policy

Services

  • Tree Pruning
  • Tree Removal
  • Stump Grinding
  • Tree Cabling and Bracing
  • Tick Control
  • Tree Health Care
  • Firewood
  • Emergency Services

Resources

  • Tree Damage
  • Tree Diseases
  • Tree Pests
  • Safety
  • FAQs

Connect With Barts

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

Barts Tree Service

WOODBURY OFFICE
115 Flanders Rd,
Woodbury, CT 06798

DANBURY OFFICE
8 Rose St,
Danbury, CT 06810

info@bartstreeservice.com

203-240-1302

Serving Ridgefield, New Fairfield, Redding,
Bethel, Brookfield, Newtown, Weston, Danbury, Wilton, Westport, Woodbury, and surrounding areas

Copyright © 2023 · Barts Tree Service on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

© 2023 Barts Tree Service. All rights reserved.
Sitemap · Privacy Policy · Website by Tree Care Marketing Solutions