Sick /stressed poderosa?

[Macbend]

Hello forum,
We live in bend oregon and we have a poderosa in our front yard that is developing brown patches of needles. It has become noticable this yr. It is next to one that is apparently healthy. They are both located near a street and sidewalk. I also noted the bark in general is somewhat lighter, thinner and "flakier" for lack of a better term. It seems like squirrels like to hang out in the sicker looking one- i thought lhey were the cause of the bark change (wear and tear) but now i think its an indicator of a systemic problem. Any thoughts? We plan to have an arborist come out this fall for some tree work and any references in the area would be great!
I will post a photo from my laptop

 

[Macbend]

heres a pic

View attachment 252004

 

[Raintree]

Ponderosa pines will dispose of by dropping needles which are 3 - 4 years old.

If you had real good bumper growth 3 years ago, this years drop will look bad.

Your problem is probably just the natural dropping of needles.

Be concerned if needles at the tip of the branch are browning.

 

[Macbend]

good news

That would be great if thats the cause! would it be unusual for one tree to have a lot of growth while the one next to it did not? thanks for the info

 

[Raintree]

That would be great if thats the cause! would it be unusual for one tree to have a lot of growth while the one next to it did not? thanks for the info

It is not unusual for one needled evergreen to brown & drop needles quickly. While a neighboring tree browns & releases needles more gradually.