Question
Ok, I read your entry saying that I shouldn't trim off those lower branches of my spruce, but it is too late.  I did that a few years ago.  So now my spruce is taller than the house (60-75 feet?) and the lowest branches (up to 4 feet) have been removed.  

I want to trim more, as the branches at 4-6 feet off the ground are sticking out into the sidewalk and hitting folks in the face.  My question was going to be "when is the best time of year to trim off the next row of lowest branches?"

But I am wondering if I should just give up on this one, have it removed completely, and return that area to lawn?

Answer
If the limbs are low and near a walkway they should be pruned. The best time is before spring so that the sap flow will be lower. I would remove the limbs back to the trunk but not flush with the trunk-leave an 1/8 inch stub. The cells next to the trunk are called the branch collar and if these are cut off the wound will not heal over as well.