Here is another picture. The top is a little crooked because it was being crowded by the old tree.

Yes, it was shading it. I would hate to cut it down unless I really had to. I imagine i could at least try cutting off one side of the fork and see how it goes before deciding on that.

The trick is going to be the angle of the cut. Don't forget to first cut off the heavy portion of the branch then make your second precise cut.

Read up on branch collars. Will make a big difference in healing times.

How thick is that branch you are going to prune off? I am a sealer man for large wounds. Most are against it.

i recommended a pro ...

because the tree doesnt look stout enough ... for you to climb that high .. unless you are pixie-like .. and have magical hovering abilities... most of us dont.. lol ...

nor does it look like it would support a ladder that high ....

but i really cant see paying the dough to have a guy with a cherry picker come do the job ...

one thing for sure... plant a new tree ... sometimes.. you have to plan.. especially with trees.. a decade or two down the line ...

nothing will surprise me regarding wind and failure.. now that you removed the old tree.. and changed the wind dynamics in which this tree previously lived ...

keep us posted.. and good luck

ken

I had to go out of town for a week. Thanks for your input. I'm glad you pointed out that I needed to find out about the collar! The neighbor is having some tree assessments done in a few days. I will ask them what they think and then see how it goes from there. I guess I will probably cut it off.