Thanks for the question.

Your Bur Oak may be showing symptoms of Bur Oak Wilt disease. If so, it appears to be in the early stages of the disease and should respond to treatment. It’s also important to note that an accurate diagnosis requires laboratory examination. See the following for information on this disease:

https://trees.umn.edu/bur-oak-quercus-macrocarpa

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/treecare/forest_health/bur-oak-blight/index.html

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/treecare/forest_health/bur-oak-blight/management.html

Here are my suggestions:

1). Getting a correct disease identification is very necessary for you to proceed, both from economic and aesthetic standpoints. I am aware of two very competent plant disease diagnosis laboratories. One is affiliated with the University of Minnesota and the other with the University of Wisconsin. I would urge you to contact either or both regarding submission of samples from your tree for their analyses. There will be a charge for doing this. See:

https://pdc.umn.edu/

https://pddc.wisc.edu/

2). Once you obtain a diagnosis, you should have a licensed, professional arborist make an onsite inspection and assessment of your situation. Sometimes there is no charge for this. S/he would be able to suggest further steps. See:

https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional

Good luck. Please get back to us with any further, related questions.