Hello Carol and John,

Thank you for contacting UVM Extension Master Gardener, and thank you for submitting photos. You mentioned that your tree looks otherwise healthy, so I suspect you have not seen any insects or signs of fungus at the peeling areas.

The cracks are most likely due to extreme changes in temperature, which often happen in spring. Maples are particularly susceptible. Often these longitudinal cracks develop on the trunk of trees facing south or southeast as bark and wood expand, then contract, in response to big temperature changes between day and night (bark absorbs the sun's heat, then the temperature plummets after sunset). These cracks usually heal over, entirely or partly, in the following growing season.

Cutting the bark away or wrapping the bark used to be recommended, but letting it heal without intervention is often the best way. Tree wrap is not usually necessary for older trees like yours. https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/Gardennotes/653.pdf

When warm days are followed by cold nights, tuck a light-colored tree blanket around your tree. The blanket will reflect sunlight away from the tree, keeping the bark temperature uniformly cold. Keep your tree well-watered except when the ground is frozen. Using mulch helps keep the soil moist. When pruning, leave enough canopy so the tree can shade its bark from intense sunlight. https://ask2.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=764276

I hope this is helpful. Please reach out again if you still have questions.