Japanese Maple Help

Question

A friend gave me a very small sapling, only a couple of inches high. I planted it in my front yard, which has full southern sun. I keep thinking I need to feed it but then I forget. I very much want to take care of it. With it being over 10 years old, I am not sure where to start, in feeding, pruning, any of it. I have included a pic of it. Can you offer any advice on its care?

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Answer 1

One thing you can do right away is remove the grass under the tree out to the canopy drip line, then fill it with two to three inches of mulch. I can see it has mower or weed eater damage (or else an animal is snacking on the bark).

I am attaching a link to all of our Japanese maple articles which will help with care and pruning.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/japanese-maple

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/rabbit-damage-to-trees.htm