I just got an Acer Palmatum Kiyohime from a local nursery today. When I brought it home I noticed two things that were concerning that I need some advice on. I'm based in Utah and this is my first Maple.
The first concern was with this black or dark area I'm seeing on one part of the trunk. Could this be a disease or fungus?
Second concern is that this tree is very root bound. I know with maples you're supposed to repot just as they start to bud which has already happened with this tree. Should I still repot or wait til next spring? The soil seems pretty compacted.

Thanks

The black is a sympton of dead cambium, which can be caused by a range of reasons. If you can spare that side of the tree, I would consider removing it, although there is a serious risk of die-back. Tricky one. I would not have brought it home with me. But yeah... You have it home already so that is a bit of a null argument.

As for repotting.. One *could* repot in this stage. I would personally wait till the first growth has stopped pushing and most leaves have matured. Then do a repot. If you are worried, look for walter pall summer repot online.

Ya I did not notice it when I bought it unfortunately. If I leave it will it spread? What could cause the cambium to die like this?

Anything from frost damage to diseases.

Got it. Ideally I'd like to keep this as it's makes a great second trunk. But if I leave it will it eventually kill the tree?