silver maple bark peeling

Sharlene

I have a silver maple in my yard that is only about 3-4 years old. I just noticed an area on the trunk where the bark is peeling. Behind this area the tree pulp is hollowing out and is soft like sawdust. There is a hole, or canal, about 2" from this area up through the middle of the trunk. There are also marks that look like scratches around the trunk. I looked for signs of insects but didn't see any. We've also been having a drought here, if that means anything. Can my tree be saved?

Eric Frei

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Sharlene

Trying my pictures again.....

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Eric Frei

Looks like mechanical injury some time ago.

Large amounts of woundwood around it, some growth striations which is good.

I can only suggest you keep the tree's health up, mulch etc.

But I will say this, it is a very bad location for a structural defect. A lot of work goes on in the lower trunk of a tree.

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Sharlene

Is there anything I should put in or around this area? Any kind of fertilizer to strengthen it. It's like an 'open wound' on the trunk. Also the tree is in an open area that get's wind gusts. I'm afraid with this weak spot it will just break.

Eric Frei

Start cambistat treatments (to be done prior to growing season via an arborist). It will help against decay, increase root mass and slow growth creating a stronger structured tree.

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