I was out lopping low hanging limbs today at my mother's house, and I noticed The bottom two-thirds of at least two of my maples has this straight line running up it, as if it is trying to split in half. I am afraid that I am going to have to cut down a couple or few trees. The limbs are strong, yet hanging way down. I have no idea how long this has been happening. But if you don't mind, please let me know what this is. I cannot seem to have any luck on Google. Drawing a blank on better search terms. I can't get the pics to upload, and a google photos link will not work either. Hopefully the vid link works. Thank you all for looking. [url]https://youtu.be/8xPXb1IihZ0[/url]

City instructed us to cut down our beautiful tree in the front of our home. It's actually a city tree but we're liable for it. Long story short, the roots were uprooting the sidewalk and threatening the water line so it has to go. City will replace it with a Crepe Mrytle. Ive seen some in the neighborhood and while it's not as majestic as my current tree, I guess it will do. So a few questions - 1.How fast do Crepe Mrytle take to grow fully? Few Years? many years? 2.How should I water the new tree? It'll be like 5 feet when they put it into the dirt. I googled some info but it was very general. Thought I'd ask some of you tree experts here.