I have a maple tree in my yard that has the following symptom. Main trunk looks as if the bark is coming off. Also the limbs appear to have what looks like spliting in them. I noticed also it has a black substance oozing from the main trumk.I have also noticd wood peckers on the main trunk. Can anyone help me identify my problem.And give me a solution to try and save my tree.

It sounds like the tree is in stress and has subsequently come under attck by various pests. What sort of Maple is it?

The spitting stuff is something that Howard talked about this past weekend, as I was listening to him on a drive from San Antonio back up to Allen. (Yes you can hear WBAP in San An) It's caused by a critter aptly named 'spittle bug' and in small numbers they are no worry. However, like anything else, if there are a LOT of them, then it is a sign the tree is in stress. Woodpeckers and Sapsuckers also tend to pick on trees in stress.

Is this an established tree or a new one?

Do the usual checks- make sure the root flare is visible- otherwise the tree is buried too deeply. Hit it with the sick tree treatment. Make sure you're not drowning it with too much water.

_________________
Shepherd of the Trees
It is not our part to master all the tides of the world, but to do what is in us for the succor of those years wherein we are set, uprooting the evil in the fields we know so that those who live after may have clean earth to till.