Hello Brent,

Thanks for reaching out to the UVM Extension Master Gardener Helpline with your question about your Prunus avium ‘Lapins’ that you purchased through Branch Out Burlington. I appreciate that you included the photos of the tree. If the injury is occurring on the south or southwest side of the tree, it is very likely sunscald, a winter injury. This is very common with fruit trees where the sun warms the bark during the winter months and then as the sun sets, the cold temperatures cause a freeze-thaw cycle that cracks the bark. A way to prevent this is to paint the southwest sides of the bark with a 10% latex white paint diluted in water. Some tree wraps also provide sunscald protection. 

It is possible that your cherry tree will continue to live for several years without any intervention on your part. Healthy trees isolate the injury, surrounding it with a corky material from the inside out, and go on living in spite of the wound. So your best bet is to give your tree the best care you can. It is not recommended to use any types of sealants, just pay attention to its water and fertilization needs.

One thing I might suggest is to remove the grass directly around the base of the trunk to inhibit any insects or rodents from nibbling there as well as deterring fungal growth. Carefully pull the grass away (don't use a mower or string trimmer) and keep in grass and weed free (some gardeners use a thin layer of mulch placed a couple of inches from the base of the trunk). 

Here are some resources that may be of help to you.

https://homegarden.cahnr.uconn.edu/factsheets/frost-cracks-and-sunscald-on-trees/

https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/422/422-018/422-018.html

I hope this information helps -- reach back out if you have additional questions.