What's eating my oak tree?

Question

I have an oak tree that is 4-5 years old growing in my backyard.Its about 8' tall now.I dont know the exact spieces but I assume its a white oak as my neighbor across the street has several.Just this year I noticed that something is eating the leaves but here's the strange part(s)

1.I see no bugs on it.

2.Whatever it is seems to only attack the top 3rd or so of the tree.

The tree bc it is in pretty deep shade most of the time has branches very close to the ground which are completely untouched!!!

any ideas?

Answer 1

Maybe whatever is eating your tree, and many things do, could be coming out at night. There are many butterflies and moths whose larvae eat oak leaves. Unless it is eating more than half the leaves I wouldn't worry about it. Oak trees can handle this, that's what makes them great!

Answer 2

No idea where you live but something called Sudden Oak Disease or Death is affecting many oaks in Cornwall

Answer 3

The tree may have a disease, you could have to take it to a specialist.