pruning pine tree?

I am building a shed right below this pine tree and a solar greenhouse north of it, thus the need to thin out the foliage. I trimmed enough to allow the sun for the greenhouse, but I am wondering if the tree will live with this small amount of branches? I would like to keep it, but if I have killed it will be easier to remove now, rather than when the shed is built. Any rule of thumb on 1/3, 1/4 of branched left on tree for it to likely live?

http://youtu.be/t6nq73zGmkU

The problem is if you thin it, it will just grow more branches, causing you to have to continue to thin it until it dies or you do! 

If the tree is a problem, best to remove it, in my opinion.  This will save you a lot of work and trouble down the road.

I did not realize that. I trimmed two pine trees two years ago and none of the branches have grown back. Is this with all trees or did I just get lucky with these pines?

I actually don't have experience with pines, but other trees tend to grow more branches if you trim them.  Maybe pines are different! 

Pines, like most conifers, won't regrow branches from the trunk in response to pruning. To me, a tree pruned this severely looks like it has accidentally dropped its drawers.  I would echo the comment that you might as well remove it - it will look ungainly until it has greatly increased in height, which will be a long time, and I think really tall conifers are potentially too dangerous to be planted in urban neighborhoods. If you want a tree there, maybe a small-leaved deciduous tree that casts a light shade in the summer would be a better choice - something like a honey locust.

Yes it will live....

No it will not regrow it's branches.....

And pine trees release chemicals which make the soil around them in hospitable to most other plants, except those things loving acid ph.

I would leave it until such time that it's worth your while to take it down - say fire wood 

I am surrounded by pine  feel my pain - lol

I'm just glad we have no pines!  My father has a lake cabin with pines growing right up through the deck, except now they are all dying of borers and have to be removed - at great expense. That's some darn fancy firewood.  I like to visit pines but would not want to try to live with them! 

Pine really isn't that good for firewood either.  Burns too fast, not many BTUs, and very prone to chimney fires.
But, if you've got it, it's free.  It makes a good kindling to get real wood burning.

Had the power company come out because I had a couple branches that were resting on the power lines. He looked at the tree and agreed to cut it down, no charge. I don't know why they would not before, but I am not complaining, and I am glad I don't have to deal with it.