Q. When we collect the cherries, (of a fruit tree) since some of them are very high up, is it permitted to cut a complete branch?

A. Many Poskim maintain that the prohibition (see previous question) applies only to cutting down the entire tree but not when just a few branches are cut.( Mishneh Lamelech, Isurei Mizbeach 7: 3, Aruch ha-Shulchan 116:13; Har Tzvi O.C. 2:101; Harav Y.S. Elyashiv and Harav S. Wosner (quoted in Eitz ha-Sadeh 1, note 15).) Although some authorities are stringent, (Doveiv Meisharim 2:42.) they allow to cut branches to meet any need for the benefit or the tree, such as pruning, collecting the fruit, or to fulfill a mitzvah, e.g., if the branches are hovering over a sukkah or harvesting a lulav (Darchei Teshuvah 116: 51, see Weekly Halacha – Baal Tashchis).

Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a