Given the large holes that are closely spaced and in a patterned row, this looks like damage from a sapsucker (a medium-sized woodpecker found in this region). Sapsuckers tend to prefer trees with higher sugar content such as maples. They drill through the bark into the inner layer, drinking the sap as it oozes out. These sap wells are physical wounds that will heal over time. You can use mechanical or sticky bird repellents to only deter the birds as they are protected by law. Here is a link with more information:

http://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/wildlife-issues/2304-preventing-woodpecker-damage-trees/

The other damage you just noticed appears to be a frost crack. A frost crack is a vertical split on the tree trunk caused by rapid drop in bark temperature. Vertical frost crack is common on trees when temperatures widely fluctuate as they do here in Colorado. If the tree is otherwise healthy, it will continue to form woundwood, or callus tissue, along the crack in an attempt to heal itself. There is not much than can be done with a frost crack. Do not wrap or cover the wound, and do not apply any type of wound sealant. You can apply a fungicide to the wound several times per year and keep the tree adequately watered throughout the entire year - even in dry winter months. Your photo doesn’t show how far down the base the split begins, so beware of additional mechanical damage by keeping the lawnmower and trimmer away from the trunk.

Finally, one of your photos might indicate the tree is suckering. Suckering can be a sign of stress or injury. Prune off the suckers, and continue to keep your tree in the best health possible.