What could be wrong with this tree

[BC WetCoast]

Remember that trees, even though they may be the same species, are usually individuals (except for the clones). Like individual humans, individual trees will have varying tolerances to external stresses. For example, some smokers get lung cancer at 35 others live to 90. It's possible that you have an individual that couldn't tolerate the drought last year.

 

[JeffGu]

...or was a chain smoker.

 

[redlawn 78]

to see if the tree has any life, I would use my thumb nail and scratch a tiny spot in the bark looking for green cambium underneath. I always start high up on the plant and work down to the ground, stopping when i do find live wood. of course, if none is found I'd remove it.