Hard to say..., tree will grow fine and the damage will grow in over time. Can't comment on spraying,..not needed here.
Might reveal more with a close up shot, sharp picture.

My best guess is it got hit by something. It should heal fine with time.

Scott

What about mice working on the inside of your tube?

Thanks guys!! I'm just wondering if this could be freezing damage? I sprayed it with Copper today anyways.. will that cause more problems? Here is another sharper picture. Should take the protectory tube off the tree?

The closer picture does look like mouse, or rather, vole chewing. Any shallow pathways under the leaves? It was a bad vole and rabbit year here in southeast NY and probably worse in Jersey with all your snow.

Here is a pic of the good side ( upslope)

The discoloring of the bark, [dark] at the bottom is a bit of a concern,.. is it from watering? If so, it should grow fine,..not freezing damage.

Thanks again guys. I will check and make sure the tubes are all the way down so mice cant get in. I took this pic an hour after spraying copper so yes its wet. Can't wait for spring, if its not cancelled for this year!