Question
We have a 4 yr old autumn blaze, and the bark has splits or cracks six to eight inches long and an inch or two deep. What could be causing this and is there a solution?

Answer
Splits and cracks in the bark of any plant is not a good sign.  It indicates the plant may have suffered cold injury last winter.  If this is the case, the plant will probably eventually die from this injury.  All you can do is fertilize and water properly and see if the plant can make a recovery.  Do not expect miracles here, as most plants with this type of injury will leaf out in the spring and when it gets hot, say, in June or July, the leaves will turn brown and the plant will die within a week or so.  You will have to wait and see what happens.  Good Luck.