The End of an Era

Please explain to me why "pruning" the trees means destroying them. All of the branches have been cut off the trees that for years have given me a glorious view. ALL OF THEM. Only tree stumps remain.

UPDATE: I called the company doing this work and it was explained to me that the trees were at risk of falling because the roots were growing under a building. The trees had to be removed. She acknowledged it is a "sad day" for those who enjoyed this view for years.

And for many of us it is indeed... the end of an era.