[header] How to prune conifers [title] Prune conifers in late winter or early spring. [step] In general, conifers should be pruned in late winter or early spring to encourage lush, healthy new branches and foliage in the spring. There is also less risk of fungal infections at this time of the year because the bark is more easily damaged while the trees are growing. 
[title] Choose sharp, correctly-sized tools. [step] The tools used for pruning conifers should always be sharp, as this is safer and more effective.