Pruning should not be done in the late summer or fall because the re-growth makes them more susceptible to damage from the cold. If the plants are not being grown for their flowers, the best time to prune may be in the winter dormant period. Removing of dead, diseased or damaged branches should be done as soon as possible, no matter what time of year. Pruning should be done year-round as needed. Picking the right tool for the job will mean less work for you and ensures that the plant will heal more quickly.
Pruners are available with either bypass or anvil blades.
Loppers have longer handles, increasing your reach and leverage for those hard to cut branches. Pruning saws help remove stems you cannot cut with hand pruners or lopping shears. They are ideal where ladders would be inconvenient or would damage the tree. They consist of pruner blades mounted on long wooden or aluminum poles. A cord or chain is used to activate the spring-loaded blades.