I wish to find out if a tree so heavily pruned is still capable of survival. Please comment. 

Pollarding ca be beneficial

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pollarding

2 minutes ago, Strange said:

Pollarding ca be beneficial

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pollarding

That's why i suggested cutting the main boughs right back; to see if it initiates anything.

Trees lay down dormant buds along the trunk and branches as it grows. When a tree is pruned, hormones activate the dormant buds. Often times a tree can even survive if it is cut down to ground level.

5 minutes ago, zapatos said:

Some Trees lay down dormant buds along the trunk and branches as it grows. When some trees are pruned, hormones activate the dormant buds. Often times a tree can even survive if it is cut down to ground level.

FTFY 

19 minutes ago, StringJunky said:

FTFY 

You are of course correct. Thank you. 

I suspect in the case of the tree pictured above, which seems to be deciduous, that there is a good chance it will have dormant buds.

6 hours ago, EugeneJS said:

I wish to find out if a tree so heavily pruned is still capable of survival. Please comment. 

Wait and see.

 

Lots of times that grand old oak tree needs to be severely pruned back during the winter.  If you are frugal the twigs and branches can be saved and used as fuel for the various wood burning gadgets on the homestead.  Nature provides stuff.

Same with the usual apple, pear, cherry and prune trees.  They need that winter freeze and pruning.  This stresses the root systems and promotes more growth.  It also allows the tree to ditch or lose the unneeded older small branches and twigs.

Ever enjoy growing roses?  Amazing species.  The more you prune during the dormant season it seems the more roses you get when they are blooming.  The neat thing about pruning and gathering roses is that they always bite you back.