Maple Tree Bark Problem. Please Help!

bjanik

I have a beautiful Maple tree that was planted about two years ago. The tree had some trunk damage but healed nicely. The first year I wasn't sure the tree would make it but this year it looked beautiful until I noticed damage on the trunk near the base of the tree. It looked like the trunk was spliting but in multiple areas. The bark hasn't fallen off but it appears black in the split areas. I thought it might be bug problems but I don't see any bugs on or near the infected areas. It appears to be getting worse. I've had two arborist look at the tree and both say it's healthy but I disagree. I know there's something wrong and before it gets worse I want to attack the problem. Please look at the attached phots. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

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Eric Frei

I bet this is a fungal style of canker. I think I also detected a hole (first picture), might be borers already at it.

I'd go for a systemic fungal treatment, perhaps a shelf Mauget one. Or you could do a collar drench of appropriate fungicide.

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gsward

It is a common thing for maple bark to shed a little as it grows. Not sure if that is what it is doing. Maple bark gets sunscalded easily. Is the cracking facing towards the sun during the most hottest part of the day? Late winter/ early spring the sun warms the tissue of the tree then over night it freezes the tissue and frost cracking can occur. Then, as Eric said, canker organisms can enter into the wound. Cracking can occur without canker tho. Just depends. In the future protect the bark over winter with a trunk wrap, then remove it over the growing season.

bjanik

Thank you so much for the helpful information. I'm not familiar with fungal treatments or a collar drench. Is this something I can do or should I hire an arborist? I don't mind giving it a try. When I went back to the nursery where I purchased her they told me to use Spectracide 3 in 1 Insect and Disease Control Spray. I just started using it so I don't have any results to report. I'll do anything to save this tree but I'm beginning to think it might not make it. Based on the research I've done it looks like it might be fatal. Thanks again for your help.