Pin Oak Disease?

[Donald]

I have a 2 year old Pin Oak that appears to be having a problem. Some of it's leaves are turning yellowish-brown with spots. I sprayed it for insects, but that doesn't appear to be the problem.

[Newt]

Hi Donald, My first questions would be what did you spray and why? Have you seen evidence of any bugs or pests? I always say know thine ememy! When I hear that a newly planted tree is having problems, it's usually one of three possibilities as to why. Stressed plants/trees are more prone to diseases and pests. First check to see if the tree has been planted too low or if mulch or soil has been piled up against the trunk. Look to see if your tree looks like a telephone pole in the ground and the rootflare isn't visible. Take a look here. http://www.tlcfortrees.info/planting%20depth.htm http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/woody/planting/nosoil.htm http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/woody/planting/rootballdimensions.h tm Also, if the tree was rootbound when it was planted, it won't be able to take up water and the necessary nutrients and can actually strangle itself. Do you remember when you planted this tree if it was rootbound? Take a look here and if this is the case, remove about 2/3 of the soil and either cut some of the roots. untangle them and spread them out or cut from top to bottom to allow feeder roots to spread out. http://msucares.com/lawn/tree_diseases/images/rootball.gif Proper watering of trees in their first year is essential. http://www.watersaver.org/pdfs/fall_watering_trees.pdf There are many reasons for leaf spot and they are caused by diseases or pests. Take a look at this site. Click on 'Shade Trees' on the left and go from there. http://www.agnr.