Looking at the "before" picture, the tree might itself be a spray formed when an older tree was cut.
Also, the tree could probably have been saved. It didn't look like a cut that would have destroyed the entire tree. A good arborist could have removed that without overly damaging the rest of the tree.
The stumps are all left at unusual angles. Those aren't the result of typical notching and felling techniques. Those were cut intentionally. My guess is they were notched above that and then cut down to that height.
It may be intentional coppicing?
I finally find out why the "copse of trees" at Gettysburg is called that. Thank you.
You didn't coppice it when you removed it. Coppice is when a tree is "topped" like a haircut and then it grows back.
Not all trees are suitable for coppicing, but the ones that do grow back vigorously and are great for firewood / lumber.