Question
We bought an autumn blaze maple last year and it has done good until recently.  I noticed there is a split in the bark on the west side of the tree and part of it is gapping open.  The leaves are also starting to brown and curl (we had a grasshopper problem but have since sprayed for them and they are not an issue now). The tree is only about 2-3 inches around and 15feet high. Help!! I don't want to loose another tree!
Thank You

Answer
Hi Jeannie:

The splitting has probably created a wound through which microorganisms can enter plus the wound may have damaged some of the water/food conducting tissues. This may be the reason for leaf browning. Difficult to say what caused the split.  Sometimes sunscald can do this. When the bark is cold during the winter and gets exposed to the intense sunlight that heats it up, this concentrated sunlight can cause damage, especially on thin barked trees.  Unfortunately, I am not aware of a way to repair the damage once it occurs.  Sometimes, depending on the level, the tree can "heal" this area to a certain extent; if the tree is growing vigorously.  Tree wraps may be used to prevent sunscald in some cases.  If you care to, you are welcome to send me a photo of this split and give me an idea about its length and width. This may give me a better idea of the trees chances.

Regards
Steve