Red Maple tree in NC disease trouble

[Martin S Kovacs]

Red Young Maple tree in NC has either white fungus, beetle damage, or both. I don't know. Need help, advice, treatment plan.

 

[TheJollyLogger]

Looks like physical damage to me. Is the mulch ring new?

 

[BC WetCoast]

I concur with the mechanical damage. Lawnmower?

 

[Jason Douglas]

Perhaps but southwest "disease" is also quite likely on red maple. Wrap the trunk in winter to protect from sun warming and remove at bud break.
There is also some borer activity showing. Very common for flat headed apple tree borer and others to go after trees with this type of stress. Talk to a local arborist for treatment options.

Remove mulch from the trunk until the root flair is visible. Google root flair and mulch to see what I mean.