Beech the beech tree has such delicate bark, carvings, such as lovers' initials and other forms of graffiti, remain because the tree is unable to heal itself. Beech bark disease is a fungal infection that attacks the American beech through damage caused by scale insects. Infection can lead to the death of the tree. Beech was a late entrant to Great Britain after the last glaciation, and may have been restricted to basic soils in the south of England. Some suggest that it was introduced by Neolithic tribes who planted the trees for their edible nuts. The beech is classified as
Weeping beech but grows in USDA hardiness zones 4-7. It needs moisture and well drained soil and prefers sunny to semi-shaded zones. The tree does not tolerate industrial pollution or street salt. Young trees need to be staked to make them grow upward; growth tends to be slow. Weeping beeches may live for 150 to 200 years. Pest that can attack the tree includes aphids, borers (flat-headed apple tree borer, two-lined chestnut borer), certain caterpillars, and fungal disease. Weeping beech The weeping beech, "Fagus sylvatica" 'Pendula', is a cultivar of the deciduous European beech. The weeping beech is characterized by its shape