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Beech problem
Jonny L
Posts: 2
Hi Folks , my first post so hopefully it will be in the right place, as the most useless gardener on here , would you be so kind and give me your opinions on if we have a problem with our hedge . Thanks in advance 
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Posts
Looks like whitefly, a type of aphid. They produce an exudate that turns black as mould grows on it. My beech hedge used to get it most years. I left it alone, it seems to have sorted itself out, or the birds have sorted it. Its not harmful, the leaves drop off anyway soon.
I'd agree with fidget - beech is very tough so , unless the entire hedge looks like that and there's a different issue entirely, it will probably be fine. Weather conditions this year have meant that many plants and shrubs have had more pests and diseases than usual. It's sometimes just the way nature is.
If you're bothered by it, and it's a small area, you could remove the affected leaves.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Wooly beech aphids, they arrive every year. Some parts of mine are the same, browning earlier than usual due to them. I try to blast with a hose just before the buds open in May but they come back in abundance.
Thank you all for your speedy replies, I have a feeling out entire hedge is in for a severe pruning in February, so that will automaticaly get rid of the leaves , thanks again