It looks like it's have been regrafted somehow weird... I suggest you to cut the branches lower and next to the second graft, if it has been regrafted to let the scion take over. I suggest you too to put some pruning paint on the split to prevent the tree from diseases. It won't hurt the tree at all, it'll maybye be a little weaker to wind (it could break up more easily).

Hope this helps
Samuel Forest

looks like you have branches coming out of the root stock, right at the graft, the weight of which is pulling the wedge/graft apart as Samuel suggested best cut off those not on the scion.

Don't think that is the graft spot...if you look at the very bottom of the tree, you can see what looks to be the graft, well below the splitting. I had something similar happen to a Mallika where it had its first lateral branching. I whacked it below the "damage" and let it reflush So far it is doing fine.

Is the area where it is splitting feel spongy at all ?

Rob

The bark seems to be flaking off there. The wood is a bit spongy. is there anything else I can do other than cutting the entire top off? Is there a wrap that would help? This poor tree was thrown away by my neighbor . I took it literally from the side of the road. Hope it makes it.

If a disease has gotten it where the splitting is, it may be best in any event to cut it back. I would hate to try and seal it and 5 years later the same area can not bear the weight of the top and split the branches doing away with the tree (although it is a Carrie, not one of MY favs). Why not try and save it now while it is still relatively "young" and small.

Rob