Yes, it is normal for these things to "sit" for a while. Maybe next year, or the year hence, top growth will be more pronounced. BTW, watch out for overwatering in that big pot. Very easy to do with so small a plant.

i like your optimism... with that pot.. lol ...

there is a theory.. that things prefer some bit of being pot bound ... yours will not be so for a very long time ... i might think about doing pot in pot ... right in that giant pot ...

also ... you dont mention your media... trees prefer a sip of water ... then total drainage.. and near drying before the next sip ... the stuff you have in that pot.. looks like it might hold way to much water for a tree ... which can be solved.. if your smaller pot had media more attuned to trees ...

trees dont grow like other plants ... it has probably put out everything you will see this year ,... thats it ... but it will be growing roots.. for next year growth ...

probably time to plant some annuals in there.. so you will forget about your little tree for the rest of the season ... but those plants like a lot of water.. so you would be back to a second pot with tree media ... so you could keep it.. drier than the rest ...

ken

So the dirt and mulch in the pot is separated.... When I made the pot up.... I put river rocks in the bottom about 4 inches up... Drilled holes in the bottom for drainage... Then I put the mulch (don't remember the brand) all the way up to where it's at... The dug out a 12-14 in wide about 8-10 in deep hole in it and put some dirt from the original sit of the tree... Planted the tree seed about 2-2 1/2 inches deep... Then covered with the rest of the mulch....

Thanx alot for y'alls replies.... Gives me more hope in growing this lil guy!!!! There wasn't many roots when I dug it up so it makes since that they would need to grow good and strong before the crown starts to develop more...

Oak seedlings CAN put on a lot of top growth, I've gotten 3' in a season. However, the root damage from digging the tree is probably going to keep yours from doing much above-ground this season. Should do better next season.

In case I was less than clear-overwatering is easy to do with small plant/large pot. Here's why: Think of all the soil or growing medium in that pot as a reservoir for water...because it is. Meanwhile, you have this baby oak seedling, with almost no roots and very nearly no top growth to "use" water. See where this is going? so, the plant is surrounded by lots of moist soil, but is unable to use much of that moisture. This can set the stage for root rot-the causes of which are already in the soil or floating around in the air in spore stage. They are ubiquitous. Best practice is to always pot up just one size or two at a time. I don't know if this guy started out in any pot, but that just looks way too big. You may still be alright, but watch your watering....and rainfall.

How did your tree do?