MOST of us confine clipping, shaping and pruning to the growing season, roses being among the few plants to receive attention during dormancy. The removal of branches, large or small - tree surgery or in the pleaching or shaping of trees is best done before the sap begins to rise. Left until spring, the tree will be unnecessarily stressed by bleeding as the sap oozes from new cuts and wounds. The kindest cuts are made in winter whether you opt to do the job yourself or employ a professional.
All cuts must be clean with no snagged or jagged ends. To achieve this, heavier branches should be cut away in sections, relieving the weight on the end of the branch nearest the trunk. Most recent opinion on painting a healing agent on to the open wound is that such action is of no real benefit. The wound, provided it is clean, should heal quickly of its own accord.