Like all members of the beech family, copper beeches are very robust and rarely get sick. In the right location, disease almost never occurs. Pests can attack the deciduous tree earlier. How to recognize diseases and what you can do about them.

The robust copper beech rarely gets sick

A favorable location prevents many diseases

Basically, the copper beech is not very demanding when it comes to location. What you don't get are longer dry or wet periods.

The substrate should not be too sandy, because the risk of drying out is higher here.

The soil must be well drained. If the soil is permanently damp because the rainwater cannot drain off, there is a risk that the roots will rot and the tree will die.

Recognize and treat fungal diseases of copper beech

A fungal disease occasionally occurs on copper beeches: leaf smut. It is caused by the fungus Apiognomonia, which is particularly favored by high humidity in the summer months and is noticeable by brown, wilting leaves.

The mushroom does not cause much damage to the copper beech. Still, you should fight him. Appropriate sprays are available in stores.

Collect the fallen leaves and dispose of them in the trash can. This will prevent the fungus from spreading again next year.

These pests are more common on copper beeches

The beech ornamental lice and the beech wool lice in particular can be found on copper beeches.

The beech ornamental louse is noticeable through curled leaves and dying young shoots. On the tree itself you will find the lice, which leave heavy secretions.

The beech wool aphid shows up on the undersides of the leaves, where it leaves long threads. When the infestation is severe, the leaves curl up and fall off.

control of pests

A healthy tree does not mind a slight pest infestation. You can treat it with nettle broth or a commercial fungicide.

It is important that you do this

  • Pick up leaves carefully
  • dispose of in the garbage can
  • do not compost or use for mulching.

tips

Copper beeches are very fast-growing and have a high nutrient requirement. The fertilizer must not be too nitrogenous, as the tree will then develop too much leaf mass and be weakened.

Category:

Trees