Prune in late winter or very early spring while the tree is dormant
Use sharp, clean, sterilized pruning tools
Remove dead, damaged, diseased, or crossing branches first
Cut back branches that rub against each other
Thin crowded areas to improve airflow and light penetration
Maintain the natural shape of the tree
Make cuts just outside the branch collar
Avoid heavy pruning in a single season
Remove water sprouts and suckers as needed
Limit pruning during active growth unless necessary
Avoid pruning in late summer or fall
Do not remove more than about one-third of the canopy at a time
Step back frequently to check the overall shape
Remove inward-growing branches
Shorten overly long branches to balance the canopy
Clean tools between cuts if disease is present