Like you say, genetics, but in this case could be branch growing downward at first trying to get space from a branch above it (which may be long gone now), then finding light & turning upward.

I was too comfortable in the living room to go outside but here is an example - also an Oak.

maackia, other than pushing red-twig dogwood stems into my stream bank & trying to get some butterfly bushes replaced, all I do anymore is branch trimming -- my lot is filled up.

You want a side branch? Here's your side branch:

Look at that you got the best answer to your question!

I've been doing more clean up than anything but I did plant a few Shagbark Hickory and Japanese White Pine. Transplanted a 7', 1.25" caliper Hybrid Oak - that thing was a beast to dig up. Getting too old for transplants now.

I have a collection of plants in my garage shipped from out of the state. Until a I see a 10 day forecast free of anything in the low 30s I'll be waiting. Looks like that day could be Sunday.

Last week was damn cold - record daily low on Wednesday. Half the month has been at least 10 degree below normal. At least everything hasn't budded out and then gets blasted by a freeze.

Beng, I do see branching like that, especially on Norway Spruce. Impressive!

whaas, I feel your pain on transplanting. Rigorous, but kind of exhilarating at the same time. It’s definitely not something I’d want to do every day. Unfortunately, I’m that lost garden soul who doesn’t work off plans, so I tend to move plants — too many.

Here’s the Byars Oak from Blanco, TX.

Thanks maackia -- classic low-branched live oak.