Trees, Shrubs and Conifers: Should I Have this Hickory Removed?, 3 by BunnyBlue

BunnyBlue wrote:
This hickory (I think that\'s what it is) was damaged sometime before we bought the house. Possibly during construction, idk. The middle has had this scar on it, but I think a woodpecker went to town on it the other day. The innards of the tree are soft in that damaged spot. But the leaves and stuff look healthy.

So, should I have it removed? Or will it still be able to live a decent, upright life without breaking in half, falling, and crushing my garden?