Portions of the tree have had disruptions to sap flow via wounds. Some of those wounds appear to have resulted from improper pruning cuts, but that may or may not be the whole story, most likely not. I'd have a competent arborist trim out the dead and dying portions, I'd watch for drought in the area and water heavily if that weather pattern should emerge (and definitely not if it doesn't)......and then I'd move on to another task where I can really make a difference. This tree is more or less set on its trajectory. There are things we humans can do and affect the outcome, and other things we cannot do nor affect. Mostly, this situation appears to be the latter. On the good side, there does appear to be a fair amount of healthy tree there still.

+oM

tough set of pix ... but that first one makes me think that much of the canopy is gone ...

and with the rest of the damage ... i tend to think this tree is in sever declline.. perhaps what tom menat when its course is set ...

i would plan on its destruction ... if space is available.. i might plant a replacement ... so when this one goes... you are already ahead of the game on the new one ...

oh crikey ... do i see plastic near that trunk ... do you think the whole yard was covered in plastic.. before the stone was put down ... if so.. i am stunned ... third from last pic ...more info about this ....

does this tree threaten anything in the area ... if so.. immediate removal is probably best ...

i note.. all pics taken in landscape ... came out properly ... the one time you turned your gizmo to take a portrait. or tall pic.. it came out sideways ... go figure ...

ken

Yes the yard was covered in plastic (before my time) to lay the rock. The third pic from the bot, is just a random shot of where the main branches have diverged, I just took it to see if it would be helpful.

and the whole yard is covered in plastic and stone????

i am surprised the other tree is not dead... HOW DO THEY GET WATER THRU THE PLASTIC ???

what a nightmare ... i hold out no hope for either tree.. unless you remove the plastic.. and that is not going to be fun ...

roots need air as much as water.. i do doubt they are getting either ...

ken

"Yes the yard was covered in plastic (before my time) to lay the rock."

Makes you wonder why the previous owners didn't just get an apartment or condo and leave nature alone. I'm not sure that people, that think plastic makes a good yard, "deserve" to have a yard in the first place.

People make me sick these days - scared to death they might have to take care of a plant in their yard, or mow.

Plastic? Seriously? I'm speechless.

If there was plastic all around that tree's root zone, it probably died back as a result of too little water and too little air at the same time.

As requested here are some full body shots from all sides, hope these help. Thanks guys.

I am dismayed to see the plastic.

Removal (of the plastic) and then the tree. Or the other way around. Or both at the same time.

Those people who believe in plastic should wear the stuff.