Description
Common Beech Characteristics
Common Beech are beautiful full-bodied ornamental trees that are popular in the Pittsburgh area. They are distinguished by the smooth grey bark and dark green toothless leaves. Edible beechnuts ripen in the fall after the flowers are spent. The nuts are encased in a spiny shell.
There are a few disease and pest issues that are common with Common Beech, but few are life-threatening. Beech scale, Japanese beetles, and caterpillars are all occasional visitors. Borer tend to attack trees that are already distressed. Beech bark disease, canker, and powdery mildew may occur.
It is not recommended to transplant an established Common Beech as the root system is too deep to easily remove.
