Many conifers don't like to be pruned back into the brown wood as they don't
regrow, leaving ugly bald patches of brown sticks on the conifer. So if you
only cut back into the 'green' it may not be taking off as much width as
you'd like, but at least it won't go bald.
Another option re the width of course would be to cut it right back to the
main trunk for the first 6 feet or so up, which may/may not be to your
taste.
Take your pick - minor trim or major surgery, but avoid anything in between.
--
David
.... Email address on website http://www.avisoft.co.uk
.... Blog at http://dlts-french-adventures.blogspot.com/