In fact, further to what Bob says, I would cut the branch back in four or five increments from the top to make sure of not peeling the bark; it's quite a heavy branch to deal with in one go. Leave yourself about a foot of branch to take off with the final cut. Perhaps get someone else to support the branch while you concentrate on making the perfect cut! Also don't be tempted to do anything else to the tree until next winter - you're taking off half the tree as it is.
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In fact, further to what Bob says, I would cut the branch back in four or five increments from the top to make sure of not peeling the bark; it's quite a heavy branch to deal with in one go. Leave yourself about a foot of branch to take off with the final cut. Perhaps get someone else to support the branch while you concentrate on making the perfect cut! Also don't be tempted to do anything else to the tree until next winter - you're taking off half the tree as it is.