Berberis thunbergii and Berberis darwinii advice

[TrueSandwich]

When should I hard prune my Berberis thunbergii and Berberis darwinii? They have a number of trunks I don't like, and I want to prune them off. I also don't want to risk the rest of the plant by doing so. When should I prune them? And as a greater question, when should I hard prune most of my broadleaf deciduous and evergreens? I have seen so many sources that conflict, so I just want to get a confirmation. Thank you!

 

[leatherback]

I do big pruning early-mid growing season, after the first flush ni spring