I have a Red maple tree in my backyard since last five years. This year I noticed growth of fungi (or looks like fungi! Photos attached) on the stem and an unusual shape and cracks on the stem. I live in a zone5 area in Ontario, Canada. Watering is no problem and soil is well drained as well. I would really appreciate any help since I do not know what is happening with my tree and I don't want it to die. Thanks.
I have to say that your tree looks in danger of not surviving for much longer Can I ask that you try to re-size your photos? They are so large that they take for ages to load and are then very difficult to view as they are much too large for the computer screen There is a thread to help you with this ........
I'd agree with Whis4ey that this tree is not in a good state, and is unlikely to survive. It is actually a purple-leaf cultivar of Norway Maple (Acer platanoides), not a Red Maple (Acer rubrum). Since Norway Maple is an invasive alien species in your area, removing it would be no bad thing; replace it with a local species like Red Maple or Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum). When planting a new tree, give it more space clear of grass - at least a metre radius with mulch, and no grass. That will reduce the risk of lawnmowers bumping into the tree (a common cause of damage like this!), and also give the tree's roots better growing conditions.
Your fungus is actually lichen, a harmless fungus & algae symbiotic partnership that is only using the tree as a platform to access light....no need to remove it. The bark damage though is bad, but the tree is doing well to heal itself. Make sure it doens't suffer any new trauma or animal damage to the trunk & it should make it. I second Michael's comments though, on your invasive maple compared to a local species. When it starts producing copious amounts of seed, you'll come to agree as well, I'm sure.
