Here is a link to my column in today's edition of The Spokesman-Review: Cutting edge.
This column outlines the basics of pruning trees and shrubs. If you have a lot of pruning to do, you will want to do it ASAP because most plants are still dormant, which is the very best time to prune. I know how overwhelming all of the spring-time chores can be - there's always so much to do - but I would definitely tackle the pruning jobs first.
If you have fruit trees, once they've been pruned, be sure to apply a dormant oil spray to bark on the trees while they're still in dormancy. This is considered an organic pest control method. What the oil does is smother any over-wintering insects and/or their eggs on the trees. This will give the trees - and YOU - a head start!