Question
Our tree was incorrectly cut before we moved in our home. Some of the
branches were cut way at the top of the tree as if they were trying to shape
the tree and those limbs have mostly died at the tips and half the tree's bark
has fallen off all the way down one side of the trunk. Half the tree is growing
and we've tried cutting the dead branches off.  The tree looks about 45%
dead. Is it salvageable or will it eventually completely die??

Answer
My guess is that eventually it will die.  I have one in my yard that has been hanging on for years with dead and dying branches on it.  It still feeds the squirrels however.  I would fertilize the tree with a fruiting tree fertilizer and keep as many of the dead branches cut out.  Then, do not let the tree get drought stressed.  Drought will kill it quicker than anything else.  I wish you good luck.