Been reading a lot about trees in drought, Mayalena. More than once literature said not to prune live wood in summer drought. Trees too stressed by lack of water and hot hot temps to effectively begin to heal stump which invites disease; don't want energy going to produce new branches as some trees are apt to do when pruned.

Personally, too hot to prune. Find a shady spot to weed, instead.

Or read about gardening instead of actually gardening. That's why I'm here mid day on a weekend.

I agree with Marie :-) Pruning actually stimulates growth, so that adds an another stressor on what is already a difficult time of year for them. Wait until later in the season when temps cool or better yet, in late winter when the plants are just coming out of dormancy.

OK -- thanks for the input. I suppose pruning dead wood is OK?

Sure!

Pruning dead wood is OK any time of year.