Unfortunately with few leaves last summer and none this year it may be dead.

How will I know for sure? I don't want to cut it down if there's a chance it can be saved some how. Also what are the orange cracks?

Looks like a Lombardy Poplar...they almost always die prematurely (& they die quickly) in North America of Cytospora canker.

Where are you? (zone and state) Has everything else around you leafed out already?

It looks like the orange parts are where the bark has come off, but I may be misinterpreting the picture - could you take a closer picture?

Sorry I didn't receive an email notifying me of your replies.

I live in Toronto.

Yes other trees have leaved but they are of a different variety.

Yes the orange is where pieces of bark have fallen off as well as on the exposed roots. Theres even some orange on the bark itself in some areas.

I have been reading about cysts as smivies mentioned and am worried that might be the problem. I'm hoping there is another possibility thats treatable.

Attached are some closer pictures as requested. The first is just a picture of a limb with dead leaves that stayed on all winter.

Here next prime planting season is fall. You COULD wait and really know for sure.

I would loose my patie ace and pick some random crossways or duplicate branches and try to break them. If they are green and flexible there may be some chance. If every branch you come across is dead then it may be time to remove and think about replacing.

There are columnar varieties of many species. Not as narrow as some but if you are zone 5 or warmer google Metasequoia Ogon.

The last picture shows lawnmower damage. The blade hit it. That's no big deal.

Nevertheless, I'd get rid of the tree, dead or alive. The roots have a tendency to sprout all over. Ask you neighbor how he feels about it. He may even share the cost of removal. :-)

The tree is more than 30 feet from my house but is pretty close to the fence. I'm going to hold out hope til the fall as tornado suggested just to give it a chance.

Given everyone's comments I won't plant a poplar in its place though lol.

I noticed the mower damage as well. It was like that when I bought the house unfortunately. Given the state of disrepair my neighbours yard is in I doubt any costs will be shared. If the tree has to go I will do it myself and like ken mentioned I will be planting 2 in its place further from the fence line.

Any suggestions for fast growing large trees?

I checked out the Metasequoia Ogon. It is a beautiful tree but I'm hoping for something a litte top heavier to cover the view from my deck into my back neighbours yard/weed field.

I want to underscore what ken_a said.

Bite the bullet with that thing, right away. It is a junky tree, even when healthy.

Research then choose a worthy tree. You an find out how much life it might have had in it as you chuck pieces of it into your fire pit.

I know it can be hard to see a tree succumb, but in this case, it is a blessing. Treat yourself to a handsome tree.

Pone thing you might be able to try is to take a long 1/4" drill bit and drill into the trunk a few feet up. There's a good chance that you'll only get brown looking crumbs coming back.

Other things to consider: you wouldn't want that dead looking tree to topple over during a wind or ice storm and you'll be removing an eye sore. Near a local pond where we sail, there is a little house with several of these mostly dead Lombardy poplars near the roadside. They are too barren to offer any privacy (presumed original intention). Every time we visit that pond, I want to help the owner take the things down.

Keep looking for a nice tree. You will be happy you did so.