Hi Group,

I'm hoping that someone may be able to help diagnose a
problem with a maple tree on my lot in the Toronto, Ontario
area (zone 5).

Short history:
We moved to this home about 18 months ago and were told that
this is a "globe maple", perhaps 10 years old. The previous
owner claimed that it had been quite wide in 2002-3,
extending almost to the house in the background (12-15
feet). Because of this it had been pruned back to approx.
8-10 feet in diameter. It is now approx. 12-15 feet across.
I've posted pictures to Webshots showing the tree from base
to tiptop.
http://community.webshots.com/album/371776352TmMgNe?762

The problem:
One side of the trunk has apparently had some blistering or
trauma in the past (photos 1 2 5 7 8) and this has returned
in parallel strips as seen in photos 1 2 3. The extent of
the earlier damage in the 'ball' of branches can be seen in
photos 4 5 6 8. The new split in the bark often weeps
sap/liquid all the way to the ground. (Difficult to detail
as it has rained lots in the last 10 days.) Recent storms
have blown a couple bushels of curled leaves out of the
tree. The tree is shaded only in the very early AM and
after ~4:00pm by the house next door. Like all maples in
this region, leaves last fall were largely covered in mold
but no other maples (we have 3 others and many neighboring)
are similarly ailing like this globe.

This is a photo of a similar, younger, but apparently
healthier specimen in the same climate zone, with
description.
http://www.city.hamilton.on.ca/Parks...cies_Globe.JPG

GLOBE MAPLE
Norway Maple variety, dense round form
Ball shaped crown
Fast growing to 25' spreads to 15'
Pale green leaves, fall colour is yellow
Suited for small lots or under hydro lines


This three is great for shade so I'm hoping that it will
survive many more years, but this blistering and splitting
of the bark is worrisome. Can anyone provide info/advice?

Thanks,
--
+ Tom + antonomasia-at-canada-dot-com