Q.Bay Tree Bark Splitting From Base
We have a lovely standard Bay tree in the garden. For over a month, the bark has been splitting around the trunk from the base. Thick, almost vein like, protrusions seem evident amongst the rusty colored trunk. Has the tree some kind of canker? Can it be saved? The leaves seem unaffected at the moment.

A canker at the base of a tree trunk likely will kill the tree.
The tree is girdled and cannot take up water and nutrients.
You may want to have a professional arborist examine the tree.
Here is a link with more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/cankers-on-trees.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/bay/sweet-bay-leaf-tree.htm