Bur Oak issue

[kferg]

I would appreciate your insight to a bur oak issue. I live in Colorado, and one of my burr oak trees has turned a rust color that starts about half way up the trunk and progresses to the top of the tree. The leaves are gone on the upper half and it appears to be dying. There are many small nodules on the tree, but I am understanding that these are wasp larvae. I have 3 bur oaks, but this is the only one that looks this way as of now. I'm understanding that bur oaks do well in this area and are typically disease free. There is no damage to the trunk of the tree from lawn mowers or trimmers. We did have several late freezes in the area. I’d appreciate any advice or direction that would help toward next steps and a diagnosis! Images are attached. Thanks! -k

 

[Raintree]

I'll take a stab at this, may not be helpful.
Rust color in the dead top, thinking dead bark just turning color, showing it's dead, not an issue.
Why is upper crown dieing out? Can be many reasons. Number one is improperly planted. Notice on your tree the swelling of the stump & the unnatural sharp taper of the trunk. This may be a sign of being installed too deep in the ground.

Excavate the root collar & prune out the deadwood. Good luck!