Pruning a Prunus autumnale?

I have one of these as a multi stemmed tree and it flowers very well every winter. It has lots of flowers at present but unfortunately I only notice them if some fall on to the lawn or I look out of the back bedroom window....cause all the flowers are at the top which is something like 12 feet off the ground. Will this take a hard cutting back and when? I know that you have to be careful with the cherry family cause it is easy to get silver leaf disease in. Any suggestions?

 

Right to be careful. I have seen these trees die back rapidly, they aren't always the strongest growers. Don't take my word for it but July-ish is probably a good time to do remedial work wrt silver leaf and canker but I'd be cautious about a serious revision at that time of year. Maybe carry the work out over a few years?

 

Yes i don't want to lose the tree. It is one end of my hammock on sunny days in summer and it provides nice dry shade for my Cyclamen hederfolium colony. But at present i will be needing to stand on step ladders to enjoy the flowers.