New tree with struggling lower half

[KBush]

Hello, last year I bought a swamp white oak on clearance from a big box store. I planted it in early fall, it has now leafed out but only at the top half of the tree. There are no signs of buds or growth on the bottom branches. Is it best to leave these be or should I prune them off? What is the likelihood this tree makes it with a start like this? Thanks in adavance!

 

[JohnTree24]

i would maybe suggest pruning this? however, not completely sure, hopefully, it makes it good luck!!

 

[computeruser]

Wait until this coming winter and prune the dead stuff off when dormant. Tree will probably be fine as it gets established with the growth it does have, but you’ll definitely know more by the end of the year.

 

[Seachaser]

Hello, last year I bought a swamp white oak on clearance from a big box store. I planted it in early fall, it has now leafed out but only at the top half of the tree. There are no signs of buds or growth on the bottom branches. Is it best to leave these be or should I prune them off? What is the likelihood this tree makes it with a start like this? Thanks in adavance!

I use the two foot rule. Pick the central leader and go down the tree leaving the next branch at two. As long as everything is in the top, it will hardly ever grow elsewhere. It then should sprout down the trunk. Right now it is putting on roots.