Hello!

Yes, we have had a ton of rain!  But I am wondering if your tree could have a disease.  Can you take close-up pictures of the brown-tipped branches, a close-up of the candle at the top from the side,  and a close-up of the brown needles?  Send as many photos as you think will be helpful--the more the better.  Are those tips swollen in any way?  Is there any white dripping sap stain on the trunk?  



Thank you for the pictures. I'm really curious about this plant health issue and want to help you figure it out!    The pictures show that all the new growth is stunted and turning brown, and needles are dropping, correct?  I don't see swelling, indicating an insect under the bark or a fungus.  I am still not exactly sure what is going on.  Here is an article I found on White Oak Decline: https://plantpathology.ca.uky.edu/files/ppfs-or-w-22.pdf.

Let's look at the roots and the soil. 

Declining trees tend to be in sites with several or all of the following characteristics:

 High soil pH.
 Soil with high clay content.
 Compacted soil.
 Limited space for root growth.
You can test your soil--here is a link:https://extension.umn.edu/managing-soil-and-nutrients/soil-testing-lawns-and-gardens

Did it seem when you were planting that there was a lot of clay?  Is the soil around the tree compacted, preventing root growth?  

I would clear the grass around the base to allow better air circulation.  

If the tree is newly planted, you could have purchased a diseased one. Most nurseries have a one-year guarantee that they may honor if you want to return the tree and start over.

Good luck and keep me posted.