We bought what was called an "American Oak" here in Chile last summer from a local nursery. When we got it home and studied it we realized that at the top of the tree there was a v - meaning that there were two branches as if the trunk's extension had been cut off and the two side branches were all that were left. We figured that an oak tree should have one trunk (one main vertical grower) and so we selected the stronger looking of the two side branches and cut off the other, and now we want to make that one the "lead" ( I obviously don't know the terminology). Is that possible? Should we try to straighten it out with a pole? Or will mother nature straighten it out for us? Or is this tree's future not so bright?
Based on concerns you have expressed tying a firm but temporary stake close to the trunk and securing the replacement leader to it for a time is probably what you will want to do. Insert carefully rather than driving through a main root. Remove as soon as new leader has firmed up enough to remain upright on its own.
