A method that provides a solution to the problem of overlapping branches in a point to multipoint call. The method is suitable for both Leaf Initiated Joins (LIJ) and existing point to multipoint call. The method has applications when adding a new leaf to an already existing point to multipoint connection and where the ROOT node has a corrupted point to multipoint view of the network. The method includes the overlapping node realizing that it is an overlapping node whereby it continues with the establishment of the downstream path in a conventional manner. The overlapping node then waits for the SETUP/ADD PARTY CONNECT to be received before continuing. Once the CONNECT is received, the overlapping node establishes an end point reference path to the point to multipoint root node over existing branches. The new call segments are established and the overlapping segments are then trimmed from the tree.