White Oak tree disease?

Question: I am trying to understand the problem with our white oak tree in our yard. The leaves are covered with a somewhat glossy sheen, a little sticky but just barely. Also the leaves are getting patches of brown within the leaf and curling. It has been so dry this spring so I think it isn't fungal but just really don't know. The tree is about 10 years old. Any help is appreciated!
3 pics

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied June 07, 2023, 3:36 PM EDT
response: The brown patches on the foliage appear to be anthracnose, a very common fungal ailment of a variety of shade trees. They can cause a surprising amount of defoliation when infections are more severe; some maples and sycamores with this disease have been popular question submissions in recent weeks. Even so, trees typically recover well without intervention. Given the dry conditions found across the state, as you noted, we'd recommend making sure the tree has enough root moisture to reduce its stress and make it easier to produce new foliage, or at least retain the leaves it does have without some succumbing to desiccation. (Oaks might not shed infected leaves and leaf-out anew as readily as maple and sycamore would, and it's fine if it doesn't because most of the foliage tissue is intact to still photosynthesize more than enough to feed the tree for the rest of the season.)  The glossy-sticky residue is probably honeydew, and while it is fairly harmless by itself, it indicates the presence of a sap-feeding insect like aphids, scale, or spotted lanternfly. Aphids do not need management and plenty of beneficial insects consume them. Scale might, but only if abundant and causing plant dieback, as surprisingly high populations can be present for some time before any notable consequences manifest.  If in doubt, or before deciding on a course of action, have the tree assessed by a certified arborist who can help confirm a diagnosis and inspect the tree for pests of concern. They cannot treat every condition or cure existing disease but can look for indications of serious problems or determine when a minor pest just needs monitoring without immediate intervention. Some arborists are employed by tree-care companies (though not all tree-care employees necessarily have this level of training/certification) while others consult independently, in case you're worried about a bias towards recommending costly or unnecessary treatments.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 07, 2023, 5:12 PM EDT
response: Very much appreciate your response. I do have neem oil spray. We'll start providing some water to the ground since it's been awfully dry and i realuze that stress affects all plant health. And we do know an arborist who works for Montgomery Co.Thanks so so much.Judy On Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at 03:36:19 PM EDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied June 07, 2023, 5:17 PM EDT
response: Hello Judy,  You're welcome. Neem oil is not effective for anthracnose or scale (most of the year, anyway) and is not practical to use to treat a plant of this size as the entire canopy would need good coverage from a spray. Neem also wouldn't be needed for aphids and would not be very effective on spotted lanternfly nymphs either, so while useful for other garden issues on annuals, perennials, or small shrubs, in this case it's not needed.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 07, 2023, 8:21 PM EDT
response: Got it. Thanks for you advise and expertise.Will stick to watering as best we can.And trying not to worry toooooo much. This is my first inquiry to the Ag Dept Ext Service. So happy you are there to help us all.Judy

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied June 08, 2023, 9:37 AM EDT
response: Thank you, and you're welcome!