he could then reach (up) and get the kitten.

[diamondcutter]

The tree was not sturdy enough to climb, so the pastor decided that if he tied a rope to his car and pulled it until the tree bent down, he could then reach up and get the kitten.

Source: https://viralgfjokes.com/pastor-had-a-kitten/

Do you think the adverb “up” is necessary in the last sentence? Can it be left out?

 

[Rover_KE]

You could, but you also need to leave out the next two words as well: … he could then reach the kitten.

 

[diamondcutter]

Does "reach up" in that sentence mean "reach his hand up"?

 

[Tarheel]

Yes. He would be reaching above his head (up).