Maybe aints aint your problem. LOL, just couldn't resist that. It does sound like your tree may be in trouble already though. If your tree has significant trunk rot, it may need to be evaluated by an ISA certified arborist and/or removed.

If the tree has carpenter ants, they're in the dead part of the tree.

What does it mean when you say the tree has a "white vertical fungus?" Is the bark coming off. Or is a white something sticking out of the tree?

As was suggested, an onsite visit by a Certified Arborist is wise. Some charge to just visit, some don't. So ask before s/he visits.

And if the tree is determined to be hazardous and could topple onto your house, you need to find a way to remove it.

there are no other trees anywhere???

how do we know this root.. if from that tree

ken