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.

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!

Thanks for your reply. It was planted about two years ago. It was not staked. There is no cracking or splitting, just some bending.

We had some strong winds here that bent my Red Maple tree a bit. It's not bad but it was perfectly straight. The main base of the trunk is still straight but as you can see the top of the central leader now leans to the right. Should I stake this back straight? Or will the tree just naturally fill in the top left area to make it even again? Thoughts?

Thanks guys! John

Ok, thanks guys! I planted about 15 sycamore seeds at various depths just to see if I could get one and I guess not!!! :-) Thanks! John

Hi, I'm new here - I wanted to show a new picture of my American Elm (Princeton). Its been in the ground for 3 years and has just taken off. I'm so happy with it! Just sharing! John

... and this is growing. I'm not quite sure if its a sycamore? Perhaps the juvenile sycamore leaves look a bit different than mature? I'm not sure. Is this a sycamore? Thanks! John