Definately some shoddy "pruning" there
The stupid thing is, the ignoramis' that did it probly think its a great job.
What sheets me most though, is when quoting to deal with a tree like this properly, my spec and their spec might look similar on paper, except for the $$$. Then you drive past the job u didnt get and see it done like that. Trouble too is often as the customer knows little/nothing about Arb. they might think it was a great job too.
Takes some good effort/salesmanship/education to help clients see AND understand the benefits of doing it right, as well as understand what would be wrong and why.
Just the other day i quoted some Weight Reduction Pruning on a big mature Coastal Banksia
(Banksia integrifolia). It was in a tight courtyard, not much room, and a bit of work in it. After extensively explaining whats involved and writing such details on the quote, i priced it at $1350+gst. She said she had another quote much cheaper. I saw it on the kitchen table as i walked back through the house. It read "Prune Tree - $380+gst"
I'll be keeping an eye on this one!