I wasn't laughing at your misfortune I guess you just got the wrong idea. It's not really misfortune since white oak is a better tree. Repeat: IS a better tree. Does grow in compacted soil and is urban tolerant. Unfortunately though, compared to red oak, it is more difficult to transplant. What I was laughing at is how things are mislabeled and the green industry seems to not really care or know what they're doing (watch me get yelled at for saying that now). You're not incorrect about your measurements when it comes to nursery stock. That is measured lower down. It didn't look like 4.5" caliper to me where it is measured which is why I asked if you were sold this tree as a 4.5" red oak. Because if you were, your tree dealer got some 'splainin to do.

I've seen them at a place called Twin Branch Nursery in Woodstock. Incidentally it's a really cool nursery hidden back in the woods with a pretty decent selction. You can call and see if they have them in stock. They do keep weird hours though since they mainly cater to landscapers. 770.926.8566 is their number.

Looks like you bought a fairly lanky tree. Unless it's put on phenomenal growth during the year and a half you've had it, the tree was probably pretty spindly to start with. It's hard to tell from the picture, but it looks like possibly most of the bend is occurring at one location. It looks like the tree starts out of the ground fairly strait, bends just below the first few branches, and then continues on relatively straight. Is that what's happening in real life? If so, examine that part of the trunk and see if you can tell what's going on. Another thing that's hard to tell from the picture is whether the tree is stretching for light. Is the top growing towards an opening to the sky? I do notice that there seems to be plenty of shade around the tree. I think it might be a good idea to figure out what's happening with the tree before we start pruning.

'I'd not plant on top of gas lines myself either if I could help it.' Oh, I was going to mention, your LP line, from the tank, won't be marked by the utility companies. That's considered a private utility. If you check with who installed the tank they might be able to help you. With gas, you're talking about heavy, flexible copper that comes from an LP tank or the main supply(It's that way with with my LP and city gas). But anything is possible and I'm sure someone that works for the gas company could chime in here about things that have happened. Again, your utilities may have guidelines. I do think that 10 foot rule is good for anything that's stationary, telephone junction box, transformers, gas meters, water hydrants, well heads, because as roots/trunks grow in diameter they need some dirt to press into or they can upset stationary objects. Even with distance, I've seen "tilted" phone junctions. When it comes to water supply lines for hydrants, they are installed below the frost line so anywhere from 6' to 8' below the ground depending on geographic location. These are also considered "private utils" so it's your baby to locate. 'You don' want to be the guy that cuts through a million-dollar fiber-optic.' Yikes! And it would be on your tab if you don't call. Here in MN, they must come and mark within 48hrs of the ticket call. So it doesn't take long too get done. And it's FREE.