Trim back long extension growth continually to keep compact, hard prune in early Spring. Bougainvillea are very susceptible to rot and all cuts should be sealed with cut paste.
You are ok... besides it's not the end of the world.what is done is done, I'll learn to ask before touching the saw
hope you guys will stay around for more advise and help
Cheers
The really
go thing is that you live in a place where you should get some
substantial growth in a relatively short amount of time