I don't see the source of any confusion...but too clarify... A single modestly sized branch has bark peeling. All branches downstream of it appear dead, and either have no leaves or shriveled dry leaves. There is one branch, immediately downstream of the afflicted branch, that still has healthy leaves on it. I'd prefer not to remove a "struggling" branch, since all the leaves are fine, and the branches are large and would constitute the removal of a sizable portion of the tree. I can remove the one branch with dead leaves, as it certainly appears dead, but cutting it off upstream of the split bark, means removal of a side branch that is still healthy. All other branches on the tree that have peeling bark, have no sign of dying leaves. There are other branches on the tree, which do not have any peeling bark. Other observations and notes. The bark is not being chewed off. The bark is developing splits which then open up, and the bark curls away. In January or thereabout, it became extraordinarily cold here, down to perhaps 25, though the weather report said in places it reached 22. We had an early spring and the tree popped with leaves pretty early, and then it got cold again, but not freezing. The peeling is only on the west side and only afflicts branches near the top of the tree. Nothing else has changed with the tree. Sorry, I don't know what the local extension office is. Phil

You don't say where you live..It looks to me like a winter bark cracking if you are from a colder area or the spring freeze..but that is a bit unusual for an older tree ..I have had younger hard maples and fruit trees do this..it usually heals over time ..but it could be vermin or something else I would have your local extension service or a licenced arbourist look at it ..without on the spot inspection we might do more harm than good with arm chair diagnosis..I think it could be serious and my instinct it is a bark defoliating thing that could be a symptom of something much more dangerous..I personally don't agree with Matt on this or your statement of storm damage ..i have seen this before and it looks like a bark related thing to me NOT storm stress...but as i said your best bet is to get a pro analysis.David

The moss didn't cause the damage. I don't know what did. The damage is enough to warrant taking it down, before it falls down and does some damage. It has started to heal, but the damage is too great to completely heal over and save the tree. Maybe something was placed between the two main trunks and removed before you bought your house. The damage could also be caused by stress caused by the weight of the snow in winter. Both main trunks lean out. These two guesses are just guesses, but I hope it helps. Mike

Many Japanese maples lean. Often that is one of the features of their very sculptural growth habit. It doesn't imply the tree will fall over. In fact, in all my years in this business, I've yet to see a JM that fell over naturally or without help. That the tree has been damaged by whatever means is obvious. However I would not necessarily elect to remove it now just based on that issue - many quite severely damaged trees will live on for many years without any additional problems. If the tree appears otherwise healthy (leafs out well, good, full canopy, etc.), which the OP has indicated is the case, then I would be inclined to leave it alone until or if/when it shows obvious signs of distress. Given their modest size, JM's are not difficult to remove/replace when their time comes. But appearance and aesthetic preferences of the homeowner should be the determining factor.