Question
I have just been told by my association that an oak tree at the top of my property at the edge of the road is going to be cut down because it is "dead." In fact, it has stood there since I bought the house in 1993, and has had a partially hollowed trunk at the base since that time--but  it is only about 1/3 of the width of the trunk, and all the branches and leaves throughout the tree are flowering.  We have had powerful wind and ice storms in the last years and the tree has remained standing...Is there any basis for suggesting that the common wisdom that its tap root has been weakened and it will definitely fall may not apply, given that the hollow is only partial? Thank you for any advice--even if it doesn't support my wish to retain this tree. (If it falls it will only cover the road partially so I'd leave it, but that's another story--I may be compelled on that basis if I can't find evidence to the contrary.) Thanks.

Answer
The hollow is caused by a decay fungi that has entered the woody part of the tree by way of a wound. It has NOTHING to do with whether the tree will die or not. Decay fungi do not infect living tissue and will not kill the tree. What they can do over a long long period of time is weaken the trunk that could cause the tree to break during high winds. But it sounds like this tree is not near that point since it has with stood winds and storms. Usually the first sign of problems would be large hollow limbs breaking off the tree which would mean the decay has reached up into the trunk.
The tree will not die form the decay or hollow trunk. If the foliage is green and full the tree is doing well. And it is not dead! I see no need to remove this tree from what you have said.  IF you are in the US you might try contacting the local office of the State Forestry agency and ask one of their Foresters (urban Forester if they have one ) to come evaluate the tree. OR call an Arborist and ask them. The Arborist will charge for this service. Makes sure the Arborist is certified. I have found the managers of HOA no little about trees and their needs. Here is a web link to the organization that certifies Arborist and a list of those by area.  

http://www.isa-arbor.com/findArborist/findarborist.aspx