Tree advice

[oosik]

At first I thought your pictures showed the beginning of what we call around here South West damage. South West damage is caused by the continual weather and wind coming out of the SW and starts by splitting the bark on that side of a tree.

I took a second and third look and now I don't that is the problem.

However, I do think its worth your time to have an arborist check out your tree. He can advise if corrective actions are necessary.

 

[oosik]

At first the pics looked vaguely like a condition we get here - South West damage. The bark on trees will become damaged and split because of the constant assault of wind, weather and storms coming out of the SW. However, after close examination - I don't think that is what it is.

Like the others have indicated - seek the advice of an arborist.

 

[TemporaryKubotaOwnerMark]

Here's my best advice:

International Society of Arboriculture

 

[fishheadbob]

I'm not a hardwoods specialist but I'm the best non-professional you're going to run into. I have 7000 Christmas trees and maybe 18 acres of hardwoods including a lot of sugar maple; I spend a lot of time in forest and trees; bought this place 38 years ago mostly because of the woods. Anyways, it's my opinion that your maple is fine and the bark splits are normal ageing.
Take a few pictures of your tree and contact either your county or state forester ( they exist ) and get their 2 cents. You can probably send the pics to their phone. Unlike the guy at the garden center or a consulting arborist, the government guys aren't selling anything, no commissions since your taxes have been paying their salary right along.

 

[bigtiller]

My maple trees split just like that. It started showing up when they were about 2" diameter. I guessed it was wind stress and did nothing about it, I have about a dozen. It never seemed to affect them in any way. The trees got bigger, about 12 to 15" now, and the splits are mostly gone.

I think fishheadbob has it figured out.

 

[PaulieD]

Thanks to everyone who shared their time, talent, and experience in their effort to answer my tree bark question. You guys are great. The link forwarded by RANDYT very accurately described the issue I am having with my tree, and gave me hope that the problem is not serious. fishheadbob and bigtiller's posts offered more supporting testimony that my tree is not threatened. I will contact a state forester, as fishheadbob suggests and see if they have anything else to add.
I will probably apply a commercial tree wrap (as suggested in RANDYT's advice link).

Thanks again to everyone!

Paul D