I've been thinking (dangerous I know). How about taking some 3"X5"X.25" angle I have on hand and cutting some teeth into it similar to a ratchet rake, mount that on my FEL bucket then reach up high and pull down as I back away. Only problem is I still might have the breaking branch problem. At least backing away, maybe I could keep an eye on things and stop if it looks like I'm running into a problem.