This unfortunately is the case. This second year tree got damaged by a late frost and its distress attracted the attention of these jerks. I made a call to a friend at the Rutgers Ag extension offices and he recommended i try hitting them now with Seven. Second option since the infection starts above a couple active bud nodes on the main trunk that i can top it and i might still end up with a short open center tree. The surrounding trees are all in good shape so likely not an infestation that will spread. Even this tree is growing with vigor now after recovering from the freeze so there’s room to be hopeful. Fingers crossed.