The tree looks like borer damage. The Emerald Ash Borer seems to be a major problem in Michigan.
We had a Flat Headed Borer invasion in California several years ago. Those borers followed the roots and killed every tree within root reach. The only way to stop them is cut the tree down and dispose of the wood.
If I were you, I would check into borers (and how to stop them) ASAP.
