Question
I have had one pine tree die and another is on its way.  I have noticed that my neighbors pine trees are dying in the same way.  What happens is that the tree begins dying and a portion seems to try to hang on to life.  I have not noticed any thing out of the ordinary on the trees.  I have quite a few more trees next to and around the dying tree that are doing well.  I live in Southern Illinois and the soil on the property is clay.  What could be happening to the trees?

Answer
Hi George, My first suspicion is some type of borer, possibly turpentine or pine beetles.  Look for pine holes in the bark or white discolorations on the bark that look like sap running down the tree.
Another possibility would be pine tip or shoot moths.  They lay eggs in the new growth and the larvae eats it's way back down through it. If allowed to continue for a couple of years, the tree starts to die.
Consider treating the trees with Imidicloprid.  You can get it at your local independent garden center.  It's poured at the base of the tree and will give you a full year of protection.
If you can rule out natural causes like flooding or lightning strikes and construction damage, then insects are the most likely cause.
Take a sample of the foliage with you to your garden center, they may see something else.  Jim