Beech Leaf Disease Threatens Fairfax County Trees
by Pat Dickey, Fairfax Master Gardener
Our American Beech trees (Fagus grandifolia) are in danger of a new mysterious disease that has recently reached our parks in Fairfax County. A tiny roundworm (Litylenchus crenatae mccannii), a parasitic nematode, appears to be the culprit. Urban forest experts have been working together to determine how this nematode originally came to our country and what can be done to stop its infestation.
Beech Leaf Disease was first seen in Ohio back in 2012. Recently, in May 2022, traces of the disease were discovered in Burke Lake Park in Fairfax County. Since then, additional infestations have been found in Fountainhead Regional Park in Fairfax Station and in Hemlock Overlook Park near Clifton.
The big question is how did the nematodes come to Virginia while skipping neighboring states? Where did they originate? Right now, the thought is that the nematodes came from Asia by global commerce, on planes and ships. After they arrived, they probably were spread by wind and rain, or by insects and birds, or by all of these ways.
When the disease infests beech trees, it is easy to spot the dark bands along the veins of the leaves. You can see the disease by looking up through the tree’s canopy. The nematodes feast on the leaves and buds of the trees as a source of nutrients, and the leaves thicken and curl, turning brown and brittle.
There are around 4 million beech trees in Fairfax, and it would be devastating if they were lost to this disease. Luckily, the disease is fairly new here, and there is still time to solve its mysteries. Right now, there is no treatment to slow down the disease, but scientists are testing possible solutions. Scientists need our help in finding new areas in Fairfax where this disease has spread.
Use the app from iNaturalist to report any signs of beech leaf disease. Record observations and take several photos. Describe the area where the disease was seen so that others can determine the location.
Online webinar on Beech Leaf Disease.
Community Garden Talks
Fairfax County Master Gardeners are pleased to offer three Garden Talks to vegetable gardeners in the Fairfax County Community Garden Plots. The talks will be held at community centers throughout the county and last for approximately an hour.
- Saturday July 20th, 9:30 am at Sully Community Center in Herndon
Talk will focus on the many types of crops available for planting in fall. These vegetables include the Brassicaceae family: arugula, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, Chinese cabbage, collard greens, radish, watercress and mustard greens. - August 17th, 9:00 am at Gum Springs Community Center in Alexandria
Talk will discuss the use of cover crops to enrich the nutrients in the soil as well as strategies for Weed Control. - To be rescheduled at James Lee Community Center in Annandale
Talk will focus on Tomatoes and the many issues gardeners face when growing tomatoes in Northern Virginia
Plant Clinics Begin at Farmers Markets and Libraries
By Nancy Miller, Fairfax Master Gardener
Starting May 1 and running through the end of September, Fairfax County Master Gardeners will be hosting plant clinics where questions about all things lawn and garden can be answered. Please bring in samples and/or pictures of your plants, insects and problems for identification or answers. Stop in to ask what or how to grow. Trained gardeners are ready to help with proven science-based information, soil kits and more.
These clinics are found at many Fairfax County farmers markets and several public libraries. Each clinic is staffed by Master Gardeners ready to assist you. For details on location, schedules and times, please refer to our Plant clinic page.
Community Garden Plant Clinics Begin in April
by Mark Kieffer, Fairfax Master Gardener
With cool season planting underway and warmer weather approaching, weekly plant clinics resume at community gardens throughout the county. Beginning Saturday, April 13, and monthly through September, Fairfax County Master Gardeners will set up information tables at the gardens where renters of garden plots, as well as the general public, can discuss garden issues and receive information and advice. While the plant clinics focus on growing vegetables and fruits, the Master Gardeners are also well prepared for questions about other gardening issues both from plot gardeners and others who live nearby or stop by while visiting the park.
Advice is available for less experienced gardeners who may need help with the basics of vegetable gardening as well as seasoned gardeners who encounter unexpected problems or seek new approaches based on the latest scientific information. Because the gardeners come from diverse backgrounds, Master Gardeners staffing the clinics are also learning about different crops and growing techniques not usually seen in the area. Copies of extension service publications are available on topics such as vegetable planting schedules, Integrated Pest Management and container and raised bed gardening. Soil test kits are also available in response to growing recognition of the importance of soil chemistry in successful gardening.
The community garden plant clinics began six years ago as a cooperative effort involving the FCPA, VCE and the FCMGA. Senior Master Gardener and long-time Bo White gardener Carmine Carosella helped lead the initiative and has managed FCMGA’s participation since.
FCMGA also holds weekly plant clinics from May through September at farmers markets and libraries throughout the county.
Clinic locations and schedules
Garden plot rental program
Be on the Lookout for the Spotted Lanternfly
Spotted lanternfly on tree branch
A potentially very serious pest, the Spotted Lanternfly was first sighted in Frederick County, Virginia in 2018. With the growing season approaching, we need to be on the lookout for their egg masses that survived the winter cold. They can live in temperatures below 0 F. Eggs hatch in late April and early May. Nymphs have four developmental stages, or instars, and adults will appear in July.
We have included a link below from Virginia Cooperative Extension with information about their appearance at each developmental stage, where to look for them, and what to do if you see them in your landscape. Check Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), their favored host tree, and grapevines (Vitus vinifera), in particular. Contact the Fairfax Office of VCE to report any sightings.
Spotted Lanternfly in Virginia, Virginia Cooperative Extension