Help with young red oak - All For Gardening

Hey everyone I really need to figure out a solution with this young tree. Planted 3 years ago it’s about 4 years old and it’s in rough shape.

For context, it’s planted in an area where children from a nearby school play. It’s off to the side and out of a direct play space. It’s our property that is being leased by the school. Located in CT, USA.

The first year it was planted kids would pick at it and break leaves/branches off. Admin was able to stop it, kinda.

Eventually we had to put up a little fence to help encourage them to leave it alone and so stray soccer balls didn’t smack into it.

Last year was the first time it really grew. Lots of leaves and growth. I’ve never pruned it and maybe I should’ve.

This year it was starting to bud and produce leaves. Suddenly I find it like this. Looks like the kids broke off the leaves again. I’m sad and frustrated since the school is unwilling to help. The fence is a little messed up, too.

Could an animal have done this? Is there anything I can do to save it? Is it a lost cause?

by dishtowel

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