Might be slightly better to prune in January, since pruning can stimulate growth and later help bring the plant out of dormancy. On the other hand, this might not be what you want if your area is prone to late spring frosts that will damage new buds.

The more I have read the more I'm thinking I should wait until late January or February. Last year I didn't prune until March because of the amount of snow.

Right before the new growing season begins, healing wounds better when cuts are new.

There are all sorts of subtle advantages to pruning at different times. The worst time to prune is in the middle of the growing season though, and in more humid climates you generally want to avoid pruning when the time of the year is at its wettest, since it can invite disease.

Parker,

Have you ever heard of summer pruning? That's in the middle of growing season and are done regularly.

I'm with Konrad. I'd rather prune in late winter or early spring for where you are.

The whole purpose of pruning a deciduous tree while dormant....is because it is less of a shock to the tree while it "sleeps". Pruning during the growing season is possible....but certainly not ideal. Even evergreen trees are best pruned in winter.

Prune just before the tree breaks dormancy and before the sap runs alot. If you start too early you'll get winter damage even if you don't see it. Too late and nutritious sap for the tree gets wasted.