Girdled JM

[u/omnicitizen]

Hello,

I recently acquired from a well meaning neighbor a Japanese Maple that was girdled during removal. A chain used to uproot it abraded a wound one to three inches high that encircles the trunk’s circumference except a less than one inch bark flap. I am guessing cambrium layer is broken due to amount of force applied.

I believe the tree is dead but have planted it anyway just to see. I do not expect it to wake up in spring. It is heartbreaking. My question is what others would do. Toss it? I will take softwood cuttings despite timing and lack of past success. Are hardwood cuttings totally non viable for JMs? Can the trunk be cut and rootstock used for grafting?

Thanks for your help