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Soil improvement around Acer

I would like to improve the soil around my Japanese Acer. It is in the ground but some of the roots are above soil level. I would like to build up the soil around it and give it some nutrition. What would be best for this please?
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Use a wee hand fork to loosen the soil if you can so that it is less compacted and better able to absorb water and nutrients then put on a one or two inch layer of well rotted garden compost or manure which will feed soil organisms and improve soil fertility. Think of it as a top dressing like you would if the acer were in a pot.
Do this each spring until you and the acer are happier but don't build the level up too high too fast at the bottom of the main stem as this can be harmful. Once happy, I suggest a permanent mulch of gravel or chipped bark or slate depending on the style of your garden.