native:

There are many advocates of summer pruning on this forum. I won't do it here right now because we are so dang hot. I'd be afraid the remaining branches might get sun burnt when exposed to this heat. August might be a better time for you as well.

Fruitnut makes a good point. I'm guessing you are at high altitude as well which would make the "sunburn" issue worse I'd guess. Less atmospheric filter. Probably best to wait until late Aug.

Here in southeastern NY I do plenty of summer pruning- usually just mopping out water sprouts, but I do a lot of full structurual pruning at some sites as well- especially on old apple trees which are tough enough to prune most any time. I actually see less sunburn on mid to late summer pruned apple trees than on dormant pruned ones and prefer to begin major renovation projects at that time.

Thanks so much for your knowledgeable advice. I will take those thoughts into account!

fn