Peeling bark

[Jimmy1543]

I have a Maple Tree in the center of my front yard. Its been there for the past 15 years. Planted when the house was built. It has begun to peel/split its bark at ground level to about 2 feet up the trunk. It is currently showing spring buds so I know it's still alive. I'm not sure if this is a natural function of the tree or it is infected by insects/disease. Is it worth saving or should it be cut down now and a different tree replanted? It's about 30 feet tall and 20 feet wide. I don't need it falling on my home during a wind storm. Thanks

 

[Kneejerk Bombas]

Don't start the chainsaw just yet.

Look at the base of the tree. Does it go straight down into the ground like a telephone pole(bad), or does it have a nice flairing of the base as it enters the ground? Specifically at the point of this peeling bark/split.

What you may have is a frost crack. A little understood crack that sometimes forms on smooth barked trees, usually arising from some kind of flaw in the trunk.

If you can post an image, that would be best.

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

Another cause may be chronic mechanical damage from lawnmower/string trimmer.

Excavate to expose the root flare and mulch out as far you can accept aestheticly.