Hello,

Adding a mesh tree guard is a good start to protect your Coral Bark Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum ‘Sango-kaku’) from rabbits and other animals that might damage the bark. To further improve the health and appearance of your tree, consider the following tips:

Sunlight: The tree has to be in an area with full sun to partial shade.

Soil Types: While the tree tolerates a range of soil types, including sand and heavy clay, it performs best in moist, well-drained soil.

Watering: Maintain consistent moisture levels, especially during dry periods, as drought can stress the tree and affect leaf color.

Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the tree's base to help retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.

Pruning: Prune any dead or damaged branches to encourage healthy growth and improve air circulation.

Fertilizing: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to provide essential nutrients. If you haven't, do a soil test. Conducting a soil test before fertilizing is important to ensure your Coral Bark Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum ‘Sango-kaku’) gets the right nutrients it needs. Details on soil testing at this link: 

Get Started | MSU Soil Test

Protection from Elements: Position evergreens or other barriers on the western side of the tree to shield it from harsh winds and late-day winter sun, which can help prevent bark splitting.

Foilage: Remember, the foliage color variation from orange-yellow on the upper branches to yellow-green on the lower branches can be normal due to varying light exposure. The foliage of your Coral Bark Japanese Maple naturally retains a light green-yellow color through spring and summer, turning bright yellow in the fall. If the leaves show signs of scorching, it could be due to overexposure to sunlight or a lack of water. Adjusting the tree’s exposure to sunlight and ensuring adequate watering should help improve the leaf color.

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 Just wanted to add this. Based on what I see in your images. The bark damage may not be just by rabbits. Bark splitting on the trunk of a Coral Bark Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum ‘Sango-kaku’) can be caused by several factors:

Frost Cracks: Occur when severe cold is followed by rapid thawing, causing splits in the bark. More information at this link:

barksplitting.pdf (cornell.edu)

Sun Scald: As the sun sets, the temperature of the bark and the cells beneath can drop rapidly, causing the cells to freeze and burst. This damage may take years to manifest as bark splitting. More information at this link:

A Seasonably Fashionable Maple for the Holidays (Rutgers NJAES)

Pests and Diseases: Aphids, scale, maple worms, leafrollers, leafhoppers, and bacterial blight are some pests and diseases that can affect the tree and potentially lead to bark splitting. More information at this link:

Acer palmatum 'Sango-kaku' (Coral Bark Japanese Maple) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (ncsu.edu)

Environmental Stress: Drought, poor soil conditions, and mechanical injury can also contribute to the problem. More information at this link:

Acer palmatum, Japanese Maple - Plant Database - University of Connecticut (uconn.edu)

It’s important to ensure the tree was planted in well-drained soil and protected from extreme temperature fluctuations to minimize the risk of bark splitting.

Option 1:
For a confirm and precise identification of the problem, I recommend you send all your images by e-mail to the MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics Lab for a confirm and precise identification. The experts there can also provide you with the best treatment options. Their email is <personal data hidden> - Please include your name – The lab will let you know if they need a sample sent. FYI – The lab may also ask for additional images.

Their website is at this link:

Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)

Their Contact Information is at this link:

Contact Us - Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)

This link will explain the details of submitting a sample to MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics Lab:

Submit Samples - Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)

Option 2:
You can consult a local arborist for a more detailed onsite assessment and personalized advice. To find an arborist in your Zip Code, go to this link:

Find an Arborist (treesaregood.org)

I hope this helps!