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?
Hi BunnyBlue:
You should step back and take a picture of the whole tree, and give us an indication of the situation in which it is currently growing.
I think you have a Hackberry there (Celtis sp.) rather than a Hickory. Regardless, that's a large wound and the tree will have a hard time closing it completely or quickly. That said: Hackberries are tough trees that tolerate and survive many insults that humans inflict upon them. Conversely, a strong storm with high winds hitting the wounded side of the tree could cause it to snap right off.
Unless you have a strong attachment to this tree, I'd suggest removal before potential property damage occurs.
