micky wrote:

Are pine trees on topic if one needs repair?

Yes.

I have a 30 or 40 foot pine tree.

All the limbs below 7 feet have died. Is that normal?

Did the tree get enough water this summer?

Are the branches heavily shaded?

What sort of pine are we talking about? Austrian? Jack?

This week, below 4 feet, I found about 20 holes spread out around
the trunk, about 1/4 to 5/16" in diameter, through the bark and
into the wood. I need to go back with a flashlight and a dental
probe, but I don't think I'll find anything but the hole.

Have a look he

http://www.avtreefarm.com/insects/barkbeetles.htm

It's ok, and even a good thing in your case to remove the dead
branches. Just remember to cut them off about an inch from the trunk -
not flush with the trunk.

Are these made by some parasite?

Probably a bark beetle.

Any branches you cut should be completely removed from your property -
unless you can completely burn then or grind them up.

Is it serious? Will it kill the tree? Please say no. :-)

Have you been watering it?

Maybe give it some fertilizer.

Read that link I gave you. Set some jars of white vinegar out and see
if it attracts (and kills) any beetles.