Richard Hentschel, host of Green Side up begins a 4 part series on pruning shrubs in the home landscape. Early spring before growth starts is a great time for pruning since it is a lot easier to the branching pattern. Certain kinds of branches can always be removed like dead branches, rubbing or crossing branches. There are always exceptions to dormant pruning because some plants will bleed sap excessively or because of that attract insects that could in their feeding spread diseases.