Question
We have a young red maple that has developed large patch of bark which has decayed exposing the wood - insects are boring into the tree. Is there a way to treat this as it has got progressively worse since last summer and we are concerned it will kill the tree.

Answer
The peeling bark is defintely not a good sign.  Saving the tree depends on how far around the trunk the decaying bark goes.  If it goes more than half way, it may be too late.  The insects are also a concern and may actually be the main cause for the problem.  You will need to do two things, first go ahead and pull off all decayed bark and take a pocket knife and score the bark into the healthy part of the tissue until you have removed all dead bark and there is green healthy bark left.  This is sort of like a doctor that will cut off all dead skin from a deep cut in order to have healthy tissue into which he can put stitches, except you are putting in no stitches.  Once this is done, buy Bayer Advanced Tree and Shrub Insecticide and apply according to the size of the tree.  The product is mixed with water and is poured on the soil around the base of the tree.  It is taken up systemically and will kill most bugs within a week or two.  The problem here is that if the bark is damaged the tree may not take the product up adequately or fast enough to get enough product into the trunk to kill the borers.  We will have to wait and see.  This is all that can be done except for fertilizing and keep the tree watered during dry periods.  I wish you good luck.  Thanks.