What happened to my tree?

[Count Orloff]

I have a couple of trees, they are some variety of Maple, whose trunks have been like this since we moved here three years ago. The trees are about 12 years old. Both trees have this trunk damage on the west side of the trunk, leading me to believe that it could be sun scald. Is there a way that I can fix these trees? Not only is it unsightly, but I am worried that the tree could die. Thanks for your help.

 

[SparksNV]

maybe it is some kind of beetle?? Have you talked with a local nursery or university?

 

[goldenluver]

looks like the trees I had, the tree doctor told me it was sun rot and they were dying so cut them down