Forum home› Problem solving
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Black spots on Beech Hedge - dying?

alemanaleman Posts: 3
in Problem solving
Hello,
Doing a bit of pruning in the garden today I was concerned to notice that a few of the trees in my Beech hedge had several dead branches. Thich branches that easily snapped away in my hand. On closer inspection I notices black spots on the trunk and branches of several trees. Pictures below (excuse the litter that the local kids seem to like chucking in my hedge). Should I be worried? Grateful for any advice. 
Al



Posts

  • Cambridgerose12Cambridgerose12 Posts: 1,134
    It's a fungal pathogen of some kind. The fact that the plants are showing symptoms may be a result of physiological stress. They may be too dry or in too small a soil volume for the size they have now reached. I would give them a good feed and mulch, and more water, in the first instance. The last few summers have been unpleasant for many native species, as there has been a sudden surge of drought and heat earlier in the year than normal. This has stressed out a lot of plants.
  • Cambridgerose12Cambridgerose12 Posts: 1,134
    PS: by 'more water', I mean a really good soaking, not just a slight moistening. A seep hose at the base might be a good investment.
Sign In or Register to comment.