Hello, we have a hydrangea tree which we planted last year in our front yard, and have 2 questions: 1. We are seeing that there is a branch that is growing at the base of the trunk as can be seen in the pictures. We have read on the internet that it is advisable to cut this branch to prevent it from consuming energy from the crown of the tree, is this correct? If so, should we cut it where the branch diverges from the main trunk? Once we have cut it, should we put some pruning sealer (or something else) in the place where the cut was made or is it not necessary to do anything special? 2. This tree has a tree guard at the base of the trunk to prevent rabbits from eating it or sunburn, so when we removed it to take pictures, we accidentally peeled of a little skin from the base of the trunk, (as seen in img3) is this something we need to care about? Thank you so much.