What would cause yellow leaves close to the trunk on young oak tree?

Question

I planted this oak tree 9 month ago and have watered and fertilized it just as I thought I should. It was beautiful until a few days ago and suddenly I noticed yellow/dead leaves close to the trunk. The limbs further out are still green. What could cause this? The trunk diameter is about 5-6 inches.

Answer 1

It may be a bacterial infection that currently has no cure. This article will offer more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/oak/xylella-oak-leaf-scorch.htm

Alternatively, it could be a fungal infection. I would have an arborist come out and look.

https://palopinto.agrilife.org/files/2015/07/Oak-Tree-Diseases-and-Their-Control.pdf