When it comes to pruning your plants, it can be confusing, but pruning at the wrong time is rarely fatal. As a result of off-cycle pruning, there are less flowers and fruit, but it usually won't harm the plant. Pruning should not be done too late in the growing season. The result of doing so will be tender new growth that will die in winter.

During the dormant period, most fruit trees and berry plants need to be pruned. If they do not do so, the plant will slowly decline, as suckers will direct energy away from fruiting branches. Exceptions to this rule are spring-flowering trees and shrubs. The blooms of these flowers fade in late spring and early summer so they have to be pruned.

Additionally, most perennial plants need to be cut back completely either before or after the growing season. Pruning and deadheading are necessary throughout the year.