American hornbeam question

[brentwood]

I'm thinking of buying a hornbeam from a garden center that's going out of business, 50% off. The tree is great, but it has some cracking down low - stress, winter damage I assume. If I keep it healthy, would that eventually become acceptable aging, or is that just trouble I don't want? I want to pick up a few things, curious if you ask think that should make the cut. I'll get a picture tomorrow, either from their field or my yard
Thanks!
B

 

[Vinnie Charity]

Please post a picture, then we can offer advice on how to style it...

 

[brentwood]

Please post a picture, then we can offer advice on how to style it...

I backed off buying it, was a little pricey for me to chop as an experiment.. I'll keep an eye out for a yamadori, fairly common here..
B