I Live In Allen Texas Shouldn’t Buds Be Developing By Now.

Question

Last year I noticed a black substance on the bottom of the tree trunk. I asked my landscaper but he didn’t think it was a problem

Answer 1

Here are some possibilities:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/tree-disease-identification-sooty-canker-fungus.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/how-to-get-rid-of-sooty-mold.htm