Pin Oak with 2 symptoms?

[grilling24x7]

Pin Oak was planted last spring so it has been in the ground for 1 year. Root flare is exposed and it has been watered pretty well.

 

I noticed that the bottom 3 or so branches do not have any new leaves this year. That seems strange. Then I noticed a black discoloration on the bark.

 

Any thoughts on what this is? Or just some transplant stress from last years planting.

 

Pics attached.

 

Thanks!

[grilling24x7]

My plan was to go prune off the branches that aren't leafing out and see what happens but I will wait for some input.

[sloth]

Could well be shock from planting and just finding its feet. I'd leave and see what happens, unless you can't stand to look at the dead bits, then prune them out, being careful not to cut into live wood/leave collar etc.

[daltontrees]

As Sloth suggests, leave it alone. Except I'd say if you can't stand to look a thte dead bits, then look the other way. No good can come of wounding the tree at a time when it is ailing, even if you are just removing dead stuff you will open up infection points.

[Pinkfoot]

I think it's alteady infected

 

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[daltontrees]

I think it's alteady infected

 

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I figured that out, and it's probably Phytopthora, but that doesn't mean it needs a dose of something else to kick it when it's down.