Reminds me of how both Coast Live Oak and CA. Bay ( Bay Laurel, some people refer to it as both ) can behave exposed to wind, salt spray, etc closer to the coast vs. in more protected spots not too far inland. There are a few places north of Santa Cruz where you'll see one or both sp. following the contours of hillsides that face the ocean, ie: taller toward the bottom of the hill/ canyon they're growing in. Shorter/ more stunted, windswept as you climb higher, only to be completely cut off and leave a sort of bald spot closest to the peak. Behind those hills, trees return to their normal size. There's also a preserve named Elfin Forest Natural Area ( part of Los Osos Baywood Park, San Luis Obispo County ) where Coadt Live oaks grow 4-20ft in height on old dunes that are 150 ft in height above the southern end of Morro Bay.