First discovered in Ohio in 2012, beech leaf disease has now been identified in 12 states, where it’s ravaging trees in forests and back yards and costing nursery owners millions.

Every few years, we have to deal with some new diseases and invasive pests, whether it’s something decimating our native dogwoods, our grandparents’ elm trees, spruces, or insect pests going ...

Beech leaf disease is already in Maine and has caused some severe damage in coastal areas. Scientists are studying it, hoping to find out how it spreads and how to control it.