bareroot tree leafing out

[Walnutseeker]

I planted two black walnut bareroot trees back in early winter. One of them is now leafing out nicely. The other one appears alive (I can see green under most areas of bark where I have scraped). However, the upper buds remain closed. Curiously, there appears to be a bud that has leafed out nicely from below the soil line. Wondering if anyone has seen this before, if it means anything in terms of my tree care or health of the tree, and how I might encourage the upper buds to bloom. I am in southern Massachusetts. Thanks.

 

[Raintree]

You have two choices, replacement or prune back to stump suckers. I'm not a big fan of stump regrowth, I would replant.