Hello Sharon,

I can barely see the split in the first image. And I can't see the split at all in the second image. Could you please send me new images that will clearly outline the split - Thank You

I also wanted to pass this information on - Please Read: The Causes of Bark Splitting on Trees at this link:

https://www.sandyoaks.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/BarkSplittingMSU.pdf

Does this describe the problem with your maple tree?

Is the damaged side (side with split) facing south or southwest?

Other references:

http://plantclinic.cornell.edu/factsheets/barksplitting.pdf

https://extension.tennessee.edu/publications/documents/sp630.pdf

Thank you!!

Hello Sharon

Bark splits are not likely to be fatal to trees, although they will, in some cases, allow entry of disease organisms, which can cause decay. This is what concerns me. You mentioned that this is the third summer with this split. And based on what I see it does not appear to be healing.

As mentioned in the article -The Causes of Bark Splitting on Trees - Once the spilt is discovered - Cleaning the edges of the wound, known as “tracing,” can be very helpful in aiding healing. Do not enlarge the wound anymore than necessary to clean the edges! With a sharp knife, starting from one end of the split, trace around one side of the wound, no more than one-half to one-inch back from the split bark. Stop at the other end and do the same procedure on the opposite side of the split. Knives should be sterilized between cuts by dipping for several minutes in a 1:10, bleach: water solution or a 70 percent alcohol solution to avoid contaminating the cuts. Carefully remove the bark from inside the traced area. You should now have a bare area with smooth edges. Remember to leave this untreated. A tree growing with good vigor usually calluses over quickest. Encourage vigor in the tree with spring fertilizer applications-but only if the tree exhibits signs of nutrient deficiencies-and be sure to provide adequate irrigation in hot, dry weather. Bark splits will often close over completely leaving a slight ridge in the trunk where callus tissue has been produced. Some trunk cracks may open and close for many years depending on weather conditions.

Option 1: Send your recent images of the tree to the MSU Diagnostic Plant lab. The lab strongly encourages clients to email digital images prior to bringing or sending physical samples. Images can be sent to <personal data hidden>. There is a $20-25 dollar fee. Their website has the form and instructions: https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/

Option 2: Hire a certified arborist to come on-site and examine the tree. You want an arborist, not just a tree service worker who may not have any schooling in diseases and pests. With your zip code, you can find an arborist at: https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist/arboristsearch

To provide guidance in cleaning and healing this split, I recommend hiring the arborist since submitting samples to the lab may not identify insects invading the split in the trunk as an onsite arborist would. The arborist will examine all parts of the tree. and give you a plant care plan.

Hope this helps!!