Possibly some kind of Tilia? Maybe Large-leaved Linden/Lime, T. platyphyllos. Did you see any kind of bract attached to the stem that holds the fruit? Also, how large is the fruit? The photo makes it look rather large, but perspective in photos can be deceiving.

She's the Yellow Garden Spider, Argiope aurantia. Not the same spider that is commonly called the banana spider, as is mentioned in the other forum. At least not typically. These spiders make their nets where ever they think they have good support and plenty of activity. They cut these webs loose every night and make a new one, believe it or not. Yellow garden spiders will take advantage of any advantageous site between plants in the garden. They are typically found in sunny locations; I remember seeing them between stalks of corn when I was growing up.

My husband is a homebrewer. It all started with the Mr Beer kit I bought on a whim with a coupon from Bed Bath & Beyond. He started out using the recipe kits exclusively, for ease, but over the years has branched out and tried some of his own recipes. I can say that his yummy brews have spoiled me from most store-bought beer. His stuff comes out great! One of the things we're excited about in the new kitchen is being able to fit a big enough stockpot on the stove (previous owners had a giant OTR microwave such that we couldn't put pots on the back burner and be able to stir...ugh!) to make beer. He just upgraded to the glass carboy from the little plastic Mr Beer kegs.

Got a pic from before you cut it back?