Q: Our subdivision is scheduled for deep pruning of shrubs this winter. Due to the drought, is this wise? Should we get spring rains, how late can we safely perform the deep pruning?

A: I don’t think it will hurt them to be pruned, particularly if your maintenance crew removes all limbs at the point where they attach to the trunk or to a larger limb. If this technique is followed there will be minimal resprouting from the pruning cuts and the shrubs will look normal, although smaller, when warm weather returns.