Question
Live in Raleigh, NC. To inaugurate our new house, 17 years ago, we (the family all together) hand planted a new Silver Maple as the only tree in our front yard. It has grown well and strong just as our family has over the years.

However, yesterday afternoon I was outside and noticed that the main trunk appears to be splitting down the middle and also noticed that one of the two main sub trunks growing from the main has already split and appears ready to break away at the next heavy gust of wind (brought on by local frequent thunderstorms in the area). All the leaves are still green and seem to be growing well. But this trunk issue really concerns me. I had planned on just trying to tie the splitting trunk and sub trunk back together somehow with ropes or cables. But that's only a band aid and I am very concerned as to what has caused our Family Tree to be splitting?

I don't have enough money to hire an arborist but am very concerned for our family tree! Can you please guide me in caring for this tree and determining what has caused the problem? Is there a government agency that will send a licensed and knowledgeable person to my home to inspect or diagnose the tree problem?

What ever help or assistance you could provide would be very much appreciated to help save our family tree!

Thank you,
Mac

Answer
Without seeing the tree and its condition it would be almost impossible to give a definite answer as to the problem needs.   Contact the NC forest Service (state agency) and ask one of their Foresters to come take a look.

There main office is in Raleigh. and they have a section on Pests and one on Urban Forestry. One of them should be able to assist you or give you the contact information of your local Forester. I would give them a call. This is a free service.
NC Division of Forest Resources
(919) 857-4801