White oaks don't like to be transplanted(large primary tap root)Is this one a transplant? With white oaks,acorns are the way to go.Planted from seed they always surpass transplanted tree in groth rate and vigor.Expect a planted white oak to outlive your great great grandchildren.Over five hundred years is not uncommon.A tree planted is a prayer for the future,an act of hope.

Thank you, NY Woodsman! Is four years too late for gratitude? :) Yes, it was a transplant, and it has died, but others planted as acorns by squirrels are going strong. You are right.