Pruning requirements vary by tree type, but many varieties of flowering trees require little pruning and are relatively carefree. However, most flowering trees will benefit from a little cleanup to encourage new growth and prevent damage and blight. Use light, annual pruning to get rid of dead and diseased wood, remove crossed branches, and help shape your ornamental plans. If your tree does require pruning, but you don't want to miss out on blooms, prune it in late summer or early fall, after the tree's blooms have faded. Many flowering trees grow flower buds in the fall for the next springtime, so pruning after blooming prevents your lopping off all of the next season's blooms. By pruning in late fall or early summer, you can prevent losing flowers, and you can prune with the recent identification of the plant's best flowering branches. However, if you're pruning to shape the tree, pruning in early -- when you have a bare tree and more visibility -- can be useful. In addition, winter or early-spring pruning is less likely to allow disease to take hold, as the tree won't have an "open wound" while pests and fungi are active. Pruning in the winter also ensures that an ornamental tree doesn't need to expend energy healing itself during the growing season.