We have a Copper Beech Tree in our yard in the home we purchased 2 years ago. The tree is gorgeous and all of our neighbors tell us how rare this tree is to our area. We recently lost part of the tree during a big wind storm and it showed dry rot.

This tree is the centerpiece of our yard, but we want to make sure we are taking care of the tree appropriately and want to prevent further damage.

Questions: 1) Is this tree really this rare? 2) Is the University willing to take a look and assist in maintenance to take care of the tree appropriately to prevent losing further branches/trunks?

Greetings Josh:

I really wouldn't consider European beech and its select cultivar copper beech to be rare--granted, it is a beautiful tree.

With regard to maintenance of this tree, I'm afraid you will have to go the traditional route of hiring a certified arborist:

http://www.illinoisarborist.org/CertifiedArboristsNew.htm

Best of luck!