Hello. I have a 25 foot japanese maple tree in my yard. It has been fine until this year. I noticed premature leaf color change. The leaves are changing to fall red now in June and falling off. I have noticed a big split vertical on the trunk of the tree. That has been there for a couple of seasons. The bark is a darkish grey and there are a few soft fleshy spots. Any ideas on what this is and what can I do. I live in New Jersey so I guess thats zone 5. H E L P

Thanks

Cirince