This is definitetly not the normal retaining of it's leaves. It is the same thing (whatever it was) that happened to another one of our pin oaks last year (we have about 10 in our own yard, and they fill the woods that surround us). I am so unfamiliar with calling the local "extension office". Is it in the phone book as "[Name of County] Extension Office". And then you call that number and ask for their "tree expert"? Why does/would the county have a tree expert anyway?? (To take care of the trees in the natural woods of the county??) I wouldn't have thought to do it on my own, but I will try it out. The other two items mentioned here don't seem to match the look or symptoms of what we're seeing. Thanks, though; we're looking for all suggestions. Miss Mary

I've been checking this post to see if anyone could help you. Why don't you try the tree forum...or one that discusses diseases. Good luck and I hope your red oak is ok.

Jacqui Ontario, I too have the same problem! Infact, I had it last year too. I am new to gardening and didn't know what to do, so I didn't do anything! (well I actually did cut them down to the ground in the fall as they were just too ugly to look at and I thought they were dead and gone, for sure.) Anyway to my delight, this Spring, they came back as happy, healthy and pretty as can be. So I thought to my self, hmmmmm... they are doing well and survived what ever that was, I'm going to leave them be. Here we are, in the fall and they have it again. I bet they have had the brown leaves for a while now, though. It really looks to be a major infestation, whatever it is. It can't be healthy for my other surrounding plants (roses) either. I don't want to spray, as I try not to do that. I guess I'll do nothing again, and hope they return happily in Spring? We had a very wet summer this year, so that might contribute, but even last year, which was very hot and dry, it seemed to be worse. Can it be that this is just how Peonies look at the end of the season?? Good luck and I'll follow and let you know if I learn anything more! Tulipsmiles

It's always tempting with any plant, not just trees, to buy the biggest one which often is a plant left over from last year. I've made that mistake more than once. The advice is to buy the current years offerings to avoid the root bound problem. Sometimes the older root bound plant will grow and thrive, especially if you loosen the roots, but not always. I bought a couple of large Mediterranean palms in 4 or 5 gal. pots for $10 each once and thought I got a bargain. Inside the pots it was just a mass of roots. I loosened them the best I could although the roots were very stiff, and nursed them along for two or three years and the darn things just sulked and never would grow. Oh well, we learn from our mistakes.