Is this diseased, dead or alive?

[Whedon]

Tree novice here. I don't know what tree it is but it appears to have brown fur on it, see picture. Is it alive or should I cut it down?

I think that's a healthy sumac tree, isn't it?!

Yes it’s a Stags Horn, Sumac. They growlike that, it’s pert of their attraction ( or not )
I like them but the do give out runners.

Part*

The branches are lovely - feel them! I love them for their exotic fern like look. I know they put out runners but i just cut them off where i dont want them. The leaves turn a fantastic red in autumn too.

Ah thanks all

What are runners, sorry?

Runners are roots under ground that pop up and grow again in random places.
It's alive, but if in doubt in future gently scrap off a little of the trunk, or biggest stem, if it is green then that means life!

Ooh nice! My ex had one of those in his garden, lovely thing. Bit sad looking in winter.