The trunk bark is split on both sides of an eight year old red maple. Looks infected. Bark is separating.?

Question

The bark splits are about 18 inches long and 1-2 inches wide. They are on the north and south side of the trunk. We live in horticultural Zone 6. This appeared in the spring. It appears to have stopped, and there is no leaf loss or other sign of stress.

Answer 1

that could be a damage from a lightening strike or frost damage.

if it showed up before the tree was leafed out and not right after a big rain you can assume it is frost damage.

during early spring and late winter, during freezing and thawing ....

wide extremes of temperature cause the wood and bark to expand and contract at different speeds and the bark splits as a result.

borers and other insects use the wound areas as a way to get into the tree so watch for new damage from them.

lightening strikes are usually accompanied by a loss of bark(shattering)