I live out in the woods, and have been cutting down the dead and dying trees near my home. Next weekend I have contractor with a stump grinder coming.

I have this maple tree in the center of my front yard. Last fall, it developed this black scar and vertical crack on it. It still had a full and healthy set of leaves and did not shed branches or bark.

Is this tree dead-to-rights? If so, I want to cut it down this week and have it ground. Would prefer to just let if live if possible though.