Attached is a photo of our Quaker tree that is approximately 5 years old and is currently dormant. The base of the tree is about 5 inches in diameter and is about 12 -13 feet tall. The bark is splitting near the base and we were wondering if this is normal. We are hoping that it is not fungus and just sunscald. We spray with dormant oil several times during the winter because we did see some rust spots a couple of years ago on the leaves early in the fall just prior to the leaves dropping.
Please advise on a course of action and thanks for your time.