Question
Our maple tree is 3 years old. There is black liquid coming out of the bottom of the tree. Also now the bark at the base is peeling off exposing a white substance like mold. The leaves are turning fall colors and and a branch is already dead at the top of the tree. The tree had two main branches and in May we had some wind and the tree split into at the top loosing half of the tree. Since then the base has rapidly gotten worse. What could be going on and should we take this tree out? Thank You

Answer
What you describe does not sound good.  The sap weeping from the base, dieback in the branches and lack of leaves are not good signs.  The bark peeling off is the most disturbing and indicates the tree is probably dying.  You can leave the tree there and see what it does as long as it does not pose a risk hazard.  Most likely, you will be cutting it down in the near future.  Sorry for the bad news.  I wish you good Luck.