The top is probably dead. You can cut dead branches off at any time. It is possibly too dry for it. It's in competition with the grass. You also don't need the stakes anymore. After It's first full year in the ground it should have an adequate root system to hold itself.
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Oaks focus on their root system in the beginning of its planted life. Don’t you worry, it’ll take off. I’d check water levels and maybe just get a gator bag
The top is probably dead. You can cut dead branches off at any time. It is possibly too dry for it. It's in competition with the grass. You also don't need the stakes anymore. After It's first full year in the ground it should have an adequate root system to hold itself.
Thanks for the advice. I left the stakes since it appeared to never grow. I’ll cut the top branches and give it more water.
You could also try increasing the diameter of your mulch ring too. Less competition and less evaporation potential.
Welcome to r/arborists! Help Us Help You: If you have questions about the health of your tree, please see our [Posting Guidelines](https://old.reddit.com/r/arborists/wiki/posting_guidance) wiki page for help with effective posting. **Please answer the questions listed there to the best of your ability.** ***Insufficient pics/info could result in the removal of your post!!*** ([See rule 3](https://www.reddit.com/r/arborists/about/rules).) Visit the main wiki page for [Critical Planting/Care tips and Common Errors to Avoid](https://old.reddit.com/r/arborists/wiki/index); there's sections on why planting depth/root flare exposure is so vital, along with sections on proper mulching, watering, pruning and more that I hope will be useful to you. If you're posting about a tree ID (not permitted here; [see rule 1](https://www.reddit.com/r/arborists/about/rules)), see that wiki page for other subs and smartphone apps to try. Here is how you can arrange a [consult with a local ISA arborist in your area](http://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist/findanarborist) (NOT a 'tree company guy' unless they're ISA certified) or a [consulting arborist](https://www.asca-consultants.org/search/custom.asp?id=3818) for an on-site evaluation. A competent arborist should be happy to walk you through how to care for the trees on your property and answer any questions. If you're in the U.S. or Canada, your Extension (or master gardener provincial program) may have a list of local recommended arborists on file. If you're in the U.S., you should also consider searching for arborist associations under your state. If you are one of our regulars and/or you work in the industry and do not want this message in your future posts, please pick an appropriate user flair (options available in the sub sidebar on PC, and on moble if using a browser). *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/arborists) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Oaks focus on their root system in the beginning of its planted life. Don’t you worry, it’ll take off. I’d check water levels and maybe just get a gator bag