2 tree species from Beeches.
Deciduous Hardwood
American beeches are slow-growing forest trees with smooth, silver-gray bark that remains smooth throughout the tree's life. They are shade-tolerant and often dominate the understory of mature forests. Beech bark disease is a serious and growing concern, caused by a combination of the beech scale insect and Neonectria fungus. The disease creates rough, cankered bark and progressive decline. American beeches produce dense shade and aggressive surface roots that make it nearly impossible to grow anything beneath them. They hold their dead leaves through winter (marcescence), which is a normal characteristic. The wood is hard and heavy. Beeches are sensitive to root disturbance and soil compaction and often decline slowly after nearby construction.
$1,500-$4,500 (removal)
Deciduous Hardwood
European beeches are considered one of the finest specimen trees available and include several cultivated varieties. Copper beech and purple beech (Fagus sylvatica 'Purpurea') are widely planted on estates, campuses, and parks. Weeping European beech (Fagus sylvatica 'Pendula') creates a dramatic cascading form. These are high-value trees that warrant careful, skilled pruning. European beeches are susceptible to the same beech bark disease complex as American beeches. They are slightly less heat-tolerant than American beeches and struggle in the Deep South. The smooth bark is easily damaged by vandalism and carving, and wounds heal very slowly. Mature European beeches on developed properties can be worth thousands of dollars in appraised value.
$1,500-$5,000 (removal)