Name: Rick Corey Everett WA 98204 (Zone 8a) Sunset Zone 5. Koppen Csb. Eco 2f
When I see a tree have the main trunk end abruptly and be replaced by many big limbs, I assume that someone "top-chopped" it, or beheaded it (cut off the trailer).
That's about as good for a tree as taking off the top 12-16 inches of a human!