Maple tree losing large section of bark

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Blokhead

Blokhead

Dean
Joined
May 26, 2014
Messages
51
Location
Right Here
Just peeled off a big section of loose bark off this tree. Don't really see any bugs or fungus on it. Trunk is dry, and not oozing. Doesn't seem to be rotted at the base. We had a fairly mild winter, lots of snow, but no really frigid days here in northeast Ohio. Any ideas on the cause? I like this tree, and it appears to be healthy otherwise.
 

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Raintree

Raintree

Penguins are tasty
. AS Supporting Member.
Joined
Jun 3, 2012
Messages
4,032
Location
TN
At this point it's best to leave it alone. Mulch beds are a trees best friend, water when dry. Restricting roots are all too common on planted Norway maples. The fix should have been done many years ago.
 

250R

ArboristSite Operative
Joined
Jul 18, 2004
Messages
276
Location
NJ
What ever caused the maple to loose its bark happened many years ago. Judging by the callus wound would I would say approx.15 years. Maples are thinly barked trees and doesn't take much to damage them. Many scenarios how this happened. Only a guess at this point. On the large wound I would say it started from the ground up. Remove all the loose bark, trying not to damage the healthy bark. You can also try bark tracing too to clean it up. (It's important to remove the dead bark. Insects will harbor under it and cause further damage). This will help closing of the wound. Crimson King is my favorite broad leaf maple.
 
Blokhead

Blokhead

Dean
Joined
May 26, 2014
Messages
51
Location
Right Here
I appreciate the replies. We've only lived here for a little over 4 years. House built in 1976. the 2 previous owners did little to no tree maintenance/pruning. Lots of other tress have mower damage. Too bad because the apple, and pear tress are so overgrown with lots of dead wood. I've don a lot of pruning, but had to remove a couple tress already.
 
esean

esean

ArboristSite Operative
Joined
May 20, 2020
Messages
275
Location
SE Ohio
Cut it down now and plant a native maple. That tree will never be a large healthy tree and will be a hazard in a yard. Not sure about the Crimson King variety, but Norway maples are invasive in some areas. A sugar (or red if soil's acidic enough) may be a better option if you want a maple shade tree.
 
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