Pyracantha

plumb

Hi All, Pyracantha, read much about them but.We would like to give ours a good pruning and reshape, we realise we will lose some or all of next years berries etc, but when can a good pruning be done, if prepared to sacrifice flowering and berries for a year. Thank you.

Obelixx

Is it growing against a wall or fence or as a free standing hedge?

The best time to prune is immediately after flowering in late spring and then again in summer to remove any stems heading out in the wrong direction away from supports.  If you are desperate to trim it back now, use good, sharp secateurs, protect yourself with thick gloves and prune back to a tidy shape but not too hard or you'll lose the spring blossom and autumn fruits.  Don't do it on a day when frost is expected.

Have a read of this info from the RHS - https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/popular/pyracantha/growing-guide 

plumb

Yeah would like to do it about now, but can wait.

Obelixx

Then just trim back by half now and do the rest after flowering in spring.  They are important food sources - nectar - and also provide shelter for birds and invertebrates.

Fairygirl

It's always difficult to decide when to prune them, for the reasons @Obelixx gives.
I'd agree that after flowering is probably the best time, but a half and half is the best option 

plumb

Thank you both, as always a lot of it is trial and hopefully not to serious an error.