Japanese snowbell tree

I have come across these trees (2) and both are dead from the top down centre leader and bark peeling. The lower parts have leaves still. any info would be greatly appreciated thanks

 

Exact same problem with my snowbell. It is approx 15 feet high and the top half of the tree is dying somewhat quickly.

 

I wonder if the trees in either of these instances are in high walking-traffic areas.

 

Unusually wet November suffocating roots?

 

AHH haaa, ha ha ha! ...I found the possible culprit. My wife said that a large amount of sap was dripping down the trunk of our snowbell tree early this spring. I also found info that some snowbell trees died from holes that had been boared in them. -- Well a little wood pecker has been spotted in the area lately, AND in my snowbell tree. Little holes are appearent all over the upper trunk of the tree. My snowbell is being pecked to death!

Now a new question. Can my tree be saved? How do I patch the holes and keep Mr. Woody Wood Pecker out of my tree?

 

Seems unexpected that sapsucker pecking would actually kill the top, but maybe it's true.