I think some kind of animal got to it or kids have been peeling the bark, I love this tree is there any way I can heal it or save it? 🥺
The wound is pretty tall for a bridge graft but I can try doing one (idk if those would work on this kind of tree?) I don't know if those paint on pruning sealants are harmful but that was going to be my first option.
There are earwigs in the peeling area of the wound 😟
I have been through many hours arborist training post-2010 and heard repeated by multiple certified arborists that sealants are no longer recommended as they can interfere with the tree's ability to shut down transport/compartmentalize wounds.