Removing a tree limb

[sharonleach]

A tree branch is hanging from a tree but is not longer attached.  Am I allowed to move the branch before hitting my golf shot?

[iacas]

A tree branch is hanging from a tree but is not longer attached.  Am I allowed to move the branch before hitting my golf shot?

Sure. Emphasis added:

Loose Impediments

"Loose impediments" are natural objects, including:

stones, leaves, twigs, branches and the like,

dung, and

worms, insects and the like, and the casts and heaps made by them,

provided they are not:

fixed or growing,

solidly embedded, or

adhering to the ball.

Sand and loose soil are loose impediments on the putting green, but not elsewhere.

Snow and natural ice, other than frost, are either casual water or loose impediments, at the option of the player.

Dew and frost are not loose impediments.

[Martyn W]

A tree branch is hanging from a tree but is not longer attached.  Am I allowed to move the branch before hitting my golf shot?

You are (iacas cited Def LI, Rule 23)

Further, if the limb is too big to move you may break off pieces of it.

23-1/4

Breaking Off Part of Large Loose Impediment

Q. If part of a large branch which has fallen from a tree (and thus is a loose impediment) interferes with a player's swing, may the player break off the interfering part rather than move the whole branch?

A. Yes.

[sjduffers]

You are (iacas cited Def LI, Rule 23)

Further, if the limb is too big to move you may break off pieces of it.

23-1/4

Breaking Off Part of Large Loose Impediment

Q.If part of a large branch which has fallen from a tree (and thus is a loose impediment) interferes with a player's swing, may the player break off the interfering part rather than move the whole branch?

A.Yes.

Interesting! I didn't know that.  I guess the next time my ball lies behind a big boulder too large for me to move and I don't have a Tiger-size gallery to do it for me, I'll get out my chiseling tools and start hacking the big rock away...