How can I help newly planted tree?

Question: I planted this river birch last summer. I followed planting protocol for a container tree and watered it as advised as well. I watered it a bit more since we had a lack of rain last summer and fall.  
There are branches that have struggled to leaf out.  It seems slow to leaf out this summer.  I had watered it in early spring as well due to lack of snow.  
Can I help it in anyway now?

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied July 18, 2024, 2:19 PM EDT
response: Thank you for writing.  The trees appear a bit overwatered. They need pruning of the dead branches and dead long tips of branches. https://myperfectplants.com/blogs/blog/how-to-prune-a-young-river-birch-tree You goal is this kind of shape. https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/river-birch-betula-nigra/#:~:text=River%20birch%20is%20a%20medium,pyramidal%20to%20upright%20oval%20form. https://www.mehrabyannursery.com/growing-guide/shade-trees/the-complete-guide-to-a-river-birch-tree/ Given that this is a fast growing tree, it is important to prune properly from the start. An arborist could guide you through the process from the start and then return every couple years.  https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional

responder: The Question Asker Replied November 09, 2024, 10:30 AM EST
response: Hi - thank you for your help with pruning. I have a different trouble now, and hope you dont mind helping.   My tree got attacked by a deer I think...  the bark is damaged. It doesn't go completely around the little trunk. This just happened Wednesday.  I put up a deer fence now.  But I am wondering if there is anything I can do to help it repair itself.  I see there is tree wrap that is sold and was wondering if that could be protective.  I have attached a picture.Thank you,Leslie HansonOn Thu, Jul 18, 2024 at 1:19 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied November 09, 2024, 12:42 PM EST
response: Thank you for writing back. i need a picture of the undamaged bark area so that I can see how much is left.

responder: The Question Asker Replied November 09, 2024, 2:20 PM EST
response: On Sat, Nov 9, 2024 at 11:42 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied November 09, 2024, 2:20 PM EST
response: It does not go all the way around the trunk.   On Sat, Nov 9, 2024 at 1:09 PM Leslie Hanson <<personal data hidden>> wrote:On Sat, Nov 9, 2024 at 11:42 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied November 09, 2024, 3:07 PM EST
response: Thank you for writing back. One tree is a stump, it is not salvageable.  The nearl completely girdled tree is not salvageable.  I can not evaluate the third tree in image 8180 right side.   It is possible that if you cut the two non salveageable stumps to ground that they would throw a sucker off the roots that could be nurtured in a new tree.  Otherwise, wait until spring before carefully digging them out. Tree rutting is at its peak now.  https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/white-tailed-deer-damage#fencing-1880561  A cooment on your fencing. mice and chipmunks can go through it. It is not strong enough to protect against deer rutting. https://extension.umn.edu/central/protecting-plants-deer  chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.uidaho.edu/-/media/uidaho-responsive/files/extension/topic/nursery/diseases/deer-antler-rubbing.pdf?la=en&rev=0b0ecd1a64c846869873f05f01e615d1

responder: The Question Asker Replied November 09, 2024, 3:35 PM EST
response: Thank you.  I appreciate your help.  Never had deer problems before.  I will reassess..  and put up stronger fencing if it think the last trunk is worth salvaging.  Sent from my iPad On Nov 9, 2024, at 2:07 PM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿