Inherited Arakawa Japanese Maple - Help!

[weetree3]

I just received this Arakawa. Any suggestions on what to do with the nebari? Air layer? Branches to remove or reduce? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Mikecheck123]

If your brand new you need to focus on keeping it alive before trying anything. Join a local club, and seek immediate help if it ever seems like it's unhappy.

 

[weetree3]

Ouch.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Maybe take some cuttings this year and do root thread grafts next year to fill in gaps around the base, and if you repot this spring, plant it a bit deeper. I’d hate to start over by air layering.

As to pruning cuts, here is what I can see.

 

[weetree3]

Maybe take some cuttings this year and do root thread grafts next year to fill in gaps around the base, and if you repot this spring, plant it a bit deeper. I’d hate to start over by air layering.

As to pruning cuts, here is what I can see.
View attachment 351135

Thank you.