Hi all!

Does anyone know anyone, arborist, hobbiest, human being, who knows anything about maple tree fungus?

I have these cankers developing on 2 of my red maples at the root collar. They look like lawn mower damage where water got in and caused the bark to separate in long-ish strips. The wood underneath is clean for awhile, then it develops a knot.

I noticed this has spread to an English Hawthorn about 15' away, and yesterday, a small maple on the opposite side of the yard has the same look.

The tops of the trees are healthy -- so far.

I'm wondering if this is what caused a Crimson Sentry not to come back this last spring. I don't know if I'm imagining I remember the bark stripping, or if it actually happened.

Anyway, I talked with a Forestry guy, who tells me it's definately a fungus. He was honest, however, in telling me that was as far as his expertise goes and I should look for someone specializing in maple cankers.

I'm going to post on the maple and tree forums, but I thought I'd start here at home. :)

Happy holidays and thanks to all!

Christine