Question
We recently had 2 very large pine trees trimmed.  One had a broken dead branch; it looked
like it may have been hit by lighting, but not sure. While doing that we also had small dead
branches trimmed off on both trees, and a few branches to balance the tree.  Now both tree's
pine needles have all turned brown.  No other trees in the yard look like they are dying.  
They are about 30 feet from each other.

What could have caused this?  They look dead, but anyway they could come back?  Advice
please on getting this checked to find out the problem and prevent other trees from dying.

Answer
If it were hit by lightning the pines would usually die. hardwood tree seem to survive lightning better than the conifers mainly due to the resin content in the pine tree. Sometime lightning will hit one tree and run down into the root system of a nearby tree and kill both. Usually you will see mark down the trunk like someone took a knife and cut deep slit into the bark.

Lightning damage is a life-threatening situation. Lightning either moves in a narrow line down the branches, stems and roots or along a wide pathway encompassing the entire tree cylinder. Lightning directly destroys tree tissues by electrical disruption and heat. Steam explosions down the stem in a wide or narrow band show where the electrical current has moved through the tree.

Massive root damage can remain unseen. Damage caused by lightning leads to extensive water loss that is also life-threatening. Pests quickly attack a lightning weakened and damaged tree. For example, the Southern pine beetle quickly destroys a lightning struck pine.

Although there may be no outward signs of electrical shock, trees may die suddenly from burned roots or internal damage. Or trees may show external damage immediately. Tall trees growing in open areas or along riverbanks are most vulnerable. In some instances, deep-rooted species and decaying trees may be more prone to lightning injury than shallow-rooted species or healthy trees. Lightning tends to strike oak, maple, pine, and tulip poplar trees first.

If you are in the United States you can call the local office of your State Forestry agency and ask one of their Foresters to come take a look. This is a free service. Their phone number should be in your local phonebook.