Conifers or evergreen trees (pine, juniper, fir, spruce, etc.) are best pruned in only the first years of growth. A mature conifer should not be aggressively pruned back. Prune the young conifers just after the new growth is completed, usually in late spring or early summer.

Cut back the "candles" of the new growth about one-half. This will keep the trees growing slowly and maintain them within the bounds of the space allotted to them in the landscape.