how do you tell when a pondarosa pine is dying

[jccranchcamp]

I am the facility manager for a Jewish childrens ranch camp. I am thinning out trees on the property and would like to know if pine trees that have no pine needles on the top of the tree ( 6 feet or more) is the tree doomed? Also what distance between trees makes for optimum health of all trees considered. Most are less that 16" in diameter and 40 to 50 feet tall, crowded and some have branches on one side only because they are that close to each other. I also have trees that starterd out almost like twin trees, these are leaning and have the branches on one side also. What are any recomendation if any for my issues?

 

[treemandan]

Its hard to tell. If you can positively verify the tops are indeed dead then it should most likelybe taken down. If you are looking up from the ground into a bunch of dead lower branches its possible there is live above.
What you are dealing with is par for the course, often you end up thinking they all look like crap once you take one down.
A tall tree with just a head on it and no lower branches can be susceptible to wind damage.

 

[TEXA$TREE]

Attach Pictures for a more accurate opinion

Even though I am new to internet communications and these threads here on Arboristsite it is my recommendation as an experienced Arborist to say, I need a photograph and some history to give accurate advice. But it is safe to say that removal is always the last option. There are plenty of alternatives and therapy we can apply to trees living in groups competing for nutrients, please leave the chainsaw alone until we are sure there is no hope. From previous experience with Golf course maintenance I will admit that to remove an obstacle such as a sick tree is a welcome option to any golfer. Consider the turf within the root zone and have a look at the colour and if the grade has been raised or other changes that may be inducing a stressful situation. Look forward to following this thread.