Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts
Use sharp, clean, sterilized pruning shears or loppers
Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches first
Cut crossing, rubbing, or inward-growing branches
Thin crowded areas to improve airflow and light
Remove suckers from the base and water sprouts on branches
Make cuts just outside the branch collar
Avoid heavy pruning of more than one-third of the tree at a time
Shape the tree lightly to preserve its natural form
Trim back overly long shoots to a side branch or bud
Step back often to check the overall shape as you prune
Clean up all cut branches and debris after trimming