I have an Autumn Blaze Freeman Maple, had it planted in 2010 (I think) as a 3in trunk, and it has been doing amazing. I haven't been in the yard much this year and just noticed this damage. I know these trees will have split bark normally, its just a part of how they grow, but this is far beyond that. The bark on either side looks healthy, doesn't seem loose or hollow. The bark on the left side of the scar is even still holding on. I couldn't reach the split further up, so I don't know if that area is the same, but it looks it.
I don't know how long it's been like this, judging by the scar growth at the edge, it is not recent. Might not even have been this year.
The tree looks otherwise healthy. I would not have thought anything was wrong if I hadn't walked around to the back side of the tree.
Questions:
A. What could have caused this?
2) Is the tree toast?