Tree Pruning

This looks like a severe form of tree pruning that was done last Friday during the heatwave. It is along the property line of my backyard neighbours' houses. I really don't know which neighbour has done the deed.
Now, it could be they are taking the trees down if they have the spruce beetle infestation that is prevalent in the entire county. We see standing old trees stripped of their needles in many places. This action has all the branches and needles lying on the ground.
When I consider the value of trees and their contribution to air quality, among others things, I feel sad to see this happen. It is probably confusing the birds.