Question
Greetings Jim.  A maple tree in our yard has begun loosing it's bark at the base of the tree, a mushroom like growth formed at the base and now there are some locations of this mushroom like mess in a few other areas higher up on the trunk.  I scraped off the growths and noticed wood pecker holes in various locations on the tree's trunk.  We've had the wood peckers in our yard for a few years and no real damage has come from them to my knowlege...but the strange mushroom like growth and bark loss have me concerned about the tree's health.  The wood under the bark appears to be in good shape.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you!  Raymond.

Answer
Mushrooms growing from the trunk are the fruiting bodies of the fungus--this means the tree is more then likely hollow.
Treatment for declining urban maples includes watering, fertilizing, pruning dead branches, and reducing salt-laden spring water runoff over the roots. Thoroughly water trees every week or two during extended dry weather. Trees should be watered with a slow stream from a hose. Move the hose periodically to soak the entire soil area under the tree's branches to a depth of six or more inches. Fertilize trees with a complete fertilizer (13-13-13) in the spring and/or late fall. The general recommendation is 2 to 4 lbs fertilizer per inch of tree diameter (0.35 to 0.7 kg per cm of tree diameter at 1.5 m above ground). Broadcast the fertilizer over the surface of the ground. Some risk of burn on nearby turf may occur at the higher rates. Prune dead branches as well to possibly stimulate renewed, vigorous shoot growth. Pruning is best done in the early spring, prior to budbreak, to promote healing of the pruning cuts.