fruitnut,

Thanks for the helpful info. Yes, the damage does kind of seem to be on the southwestern side. I've read a couple of articles, though, that said that painting doesn't really seem to help any. Have you painted trees with this kind of paint yourself and noticed positive results?

So for this particular tree, since the crack seems to be so advanced, is it likely that the tree is simply going to die and there's not a whole lot anyone can do about it?

need an image in order to make a reasonable comment.

Thanks, Jean. I'll try to snap a photo soon and post it.

Here's a picture of the damage to the tree.. So, is it realistic to try to save it?

Whoa! This is why I always ask for an image.

That's far more than a split. A chunk of bark is missing! For quite some time.

Looks like damage 50% around the trunk. Could survive and grow in a home garden. If was in a wholesale growing grounds, would be discarded.

If you keep it, suggest you mulch for 20 inches all around the trunk in order to avoid further mower blight, or whatever nasty occurred.

That looked more like a bunny chewed off a chunk of the bark a while back. My J. maple tree survived that kind of damage.

If you keep it, suggest you mulch for 20 inches all around the trunk in
order to avoid further mower blight, or whatever nasty occurred.

Thanks, Jean. I had no idea this might have been mechanical damage. I'll try piling up the mulch as you suggested.

That looked more like a bunny chewed off a chunk of the bark a while back. My J. maple tree survived that kind of damage.

Glad to hear your tree survived that, rphcfb14. So, I guess there is some hope for my tree then. :)

Oh, I have one more question. Coconut oil is supposed to be antifungal, antibacterial, etc. Could it help to rub some on the damaged area, or would that be a definite no-no?