Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts
Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches first
Cut away crossing, rubbing, or crowded stems
Remove weak shoots and any suckers from the base
Shape the tree by shortening long branches to a healthy bud or side branch
Keep the main trunk and strongest framework branches
Thin the canopy lightly to improve air circulation
Remove spent flower heads if desired
Use clean, sharp pruning shears or loppers
Make cuts just above a bud or branch junction
Avoid heavy pruning unless the plant needs major renewal
Do not prune too late in the season
Disinfect tools between cuts if disease is present