Yea, I think I was a little too focused on watering, I just hope it's not too late. I know live oaks loose their leaves around this time, it just seemed odd to me that they are falling off from the outside and working inwardly. As for the fertilizer, I found out after I planted the tree that it wasn't recommended. And yes, the hole was 3x wide not deep. I'm hoping here directly I'll see some new buds coming out so I can be at ease!!

I think your tree will be fine during your absence; maybe lower the temp a little, but not more than 5 degrees. The misting is not so important except for controlling dust which mites love. I can't tell the size of your dead branch; but it looks pretty small. Branches that size most often die back from getting too dry, or too hot (from sun, lights, etc); if you pruned it back to the nearest leaf node that is green, you have done what you can. If you want to worry some about your plant while you are gone, I guess it won't hurt anything; but it won't help either. Enjoy your trip

You did it!!! You did it!!! Oh, Caroline, I am so happy for you. And tremendously impressed too, not only by the physical difficulty of the trip, but by your dedication to a good cause. What an amazing thing you did. I can hardly wait to see your photos. Welcome back! Now you can sit back and watch the Giro d'Italia starting on Saturday. (Universal Sports, on TV & online) You'll have new appreciation for the pros putting in over a hundred miles a day in mountainous terrain LOL! Wow, you are one tough cookie...

Over all it looks pretty healthy to me. Perhaps you should just leave it alone and see what happens in spring.