The historic cottonwood tree, better known as the ‘Aspen tree', is going to be significantly shorter today as work continues on reducing the tree's danger to the public.

Tree surgeons at work.

Tauranga City Council contractors Arbour Care have been called back to reduce the size of the about 150 year old tree after it dropped a branch weighing several tonnes onto McLean Street on Monday.

They first began pruning on Tuesday to prevent another fall, but with the wet weather were unable to resume pruning again until today.

The tree has rotted internally, and an inspection gave cause to remove branches overhanging adjacent buildings. The height will be reduced today by about 16m.