Live Oak trunk chop pt II?

[Goodroot]

This is my live oak I put in the ground in the Fall. It was about 7’ tall. I cut it down to this height (20-22”) because of the lowest branch on it. I’m not familiar with oaks. I would love to cut it down to 6-8”, but no buds or anything on that slick trunk. Can I cut it and hope for buds to pop? In NE Tx. Temps warming. Crepe Myrtle’s and maples starting to leaf out. Enlighten me please.

 

[Goodroot]

My apologies. That budding branch coming up the right side is my elm behind it. So not to confuse.

 

[Goodroot]

Ok. I chopped it down to about 8”. We shall see.