Scots pine damage

[spandit]

My area used to have large plantations of Scots pine but now there aren't that many left. We have one in the garden but I noticed the other day that the bark seems to be damaged in places:

 

 

There are also quite a few dead branches. It's not in a dangerous position but I'd be sad to lose a mature tree. Is this just a normal state for a mature pine or should I be worried? It's not very symmetrical either

[openspaceman]

My area used to have large plantations of Scots pine but now there aren't that many left. We have one in the garden but I noticed the other day that the bark seems to be damaged in places:

 

 

There are also quite a few dead branches. It's not in a dangerous position but I'd be sad to lose a mature tree. Is this just a normal state for a mature pine or should I be worried? It's not very symmetrical either

 

Given the asymmetry I'd say the wound was old and from a previously neighbouring tree, the dead branches could similarly been shaded out.

[spandit]

Given the asymmetry I'd say the wound was old and from a previously neighbouring tree, the dead branches could similarly been shaded out.

 

Thanks, I'll have a root around to see if there are any stumps. It's in a fairly sheltered position, being next to a woodland, so not unduly worried it's going to get blown over. I've planted 25 more around the place so in a hundred years or so it should have some company!