Many tree services in this area practice "lion-tailing". This style of trimming is done by those posing as "professional". We also call them "hosers".  U know, "hoser the poser".  DON'T GET HOSED!!!!!!!

   Lion-Tailing is excessive removal of lower and interior branches. This pruning, which leaves outer stems untouched, shifts growth to the outer canopy. Remaining branches elongate rapidly and do not develop good taper. Water sprouts are often generated to replace the growth that has been removed. To the untrained eye, a lion-tailed tree may appear well groomed.

   When pruning a tree there should be a reason for making each cut. Branches should not be removed just because they r in the tree trimmers way, or because they r within pruning-pole reach. The objective of pruning should be to reduce the risk of failure while maintaining tree health.

   Thinning is the selective removal of small branches ranging from 1/4 to 1 inch in diameter to reduce crown density. The majority of these small branches should be removed within the canopy edge. Proper thinning should result in an even distribution of foilage throughout the crown. These cuts should be made by hand from razor sharp, sword quality steel- AND NOT WITH A CHAIN SAW!!!!