Branch snapped off locust tree - advice appreciated

Woke up this morning to see a good sized branch broken off my locust tree. There wasn't any wind, so I'm guessing it just decided it was time to snap.

There is a decent amount of branch left holding it to the main trunk. I have an electric pole pruner, but it's just out of reach, but that doesn't seem like a good idea anyways. I could try a long rope/tow strap and hope it breaks free, but there is a decent amount of meat left at the break. The other option is call the local tree guy I've used before and let him handle it.

I had a close call when I was in my early 20s removing a snag like this, so now I'm more cautious about how I do things. Any advice from the seasoned tree experts here?

Edit - added second pic as it didn't show up the first time.

 

I'm not a tree expert, just a homeowner with some woods. If it were me, I'd probably try tying a rope around it, and have someone on the ground hold it while I tried to get a little higher on a step ladder to reach it with the pole saw.

That said, falling branches are known to kick ladders out from under you. If I had to get more than 3-4 feet to do so, I probably wouldn't risk it. Also looks pretty small in the pic - probably wouldn't risk it if it was over 6" or so.

 

I would take as much off from the ground and than try to get in the tree to cut the rest.

 

I wouldn't mess with it. Call somebody like you said. Pay him his minimum and be happy you didn't take the risk.

 

If you don't feel comfortable with doing it yourself there is probably good reason.

 

I got lucky. Figured I'd put a rope around it and give it a yank and see what it had left. There wasn't as much holding it on as I thought. A couple good tugs and it snapped right off and is safely on the ground.

Now to get to cutting.....

 

Got it all cut, chipped and raked. Gave the 45cc Quake a workout.

Today's haul: 2/3 of a 10 cubic foot yard cart. At least I didn't have to go far to get it.

 

Glad that worked out for you. Its a good thing you can put it to good use!

 

How do you like this one for a hanger? Happened 2-3 weeks ago in a big thunderstorm. Must have taken a direct hit. 50' otherwise healthy poplar snapped in half.

 

Glad you were able to yank it off successfully and safely. This was in the local news the other day. It is why I will always say to call a professional if there a hung branch. http://www.nj.com/morris/index.ssf/2014/08/man_dies_after_being_impaled_on_fence_cops_say.html Nothing but a pure tragedy happened there.