I had to get it away from the house and gutters and low enough that I could use a step stool instead of a ladder to trim it. It has thick glossy leaves and I made an arrangement to put on the hearth..and one small one for the kitchen.. I had left one limb too tall..but did not dare touch a saw for awhile!
My goodness, you have been tackling some large projects, trimming limbs from a step ladder. You are probably right about what caused your back siege.
The arrangements sound lovely, bet they smell good too. ;0)
Weather is still holding here, no rain, clouds come and go so I guess we are dry for now.