Yes, Exactly!

And I'm sure all the highbrows will be thrilled to see the 5 big sticks
stuck in the dirt as they walk by.

And when they ask what happened... I will tell the truth.

I cut down the one tree because it was dead, and it cost me $250.

In order to keep the other trees from dying, and the associated $250
fine - I pruned them back a small amount.