Prune in late winter or early spring while plants are dormant
Remove dead, damaged, diseased, or broken canes
Cut out weak, low, or crossing branches
Remove canes older than 5 years at the base
Keep 6 to 8 strong, healthy canes per mature bush
Thin crowded growth to improve air circulation and light penetration
Shorten overly long shoots to encourage branching
Remove low branches that touch the ground
Cut back any suckers or shoots growing from the base if overcrowded
Use clean, sharp pruning shears or loppers
Disinfect tools between plants if disease is present
Prune lightly in the first 2 to 3 years after planting
Prune more heavily on mature plants to maintain productivity
Remove about one-quarter to one-third of the oldest wood each year
Dispose of pruned material away from the planting area