Pruning procedures are based on the growth and fruiting characteristics of the plants. A yearly thinning allows plenty of sunlight and air to penetrate the bramble, which means you’ll have bigger, healthier crops and a much easier time picking those sweet red berries. Black raspberries are a little different, and pruning advice for those is located in the next section. Raspberries can grow in the wild or in your backyard. The bushes should be pruned in the late winter or early spring after danger of frost has passed and before new growth begins. Red raspberry plants, before pruning. This information is geared toward typical red, gold, and purple varieties of raspberries. Black and purple raspberries. Raspberry bushes are low maintenance plants which need pruning only once a year. Photo/Illustration: Ann Stratton The growth and fruiting characteristics of the raspberry plant are rather unique. When to Prune Raspberry Plants. When the new primocanes emerge, maintain a row width of 12–15 inches by removing excess suckers by pruning or cultivation. Black raspberry plants have arched canes rather than the more upright canes of red raspberry. Pruning Everbearing Raspberries for 2 crops. Pruning Raspberry Plants. Dead canes can be removed in the fall to minimize overwintering disease. For this method, cut all canes to ground level when plants are dormant. The plant's roots and crown are perennial, while the stems or canes are biennial. Raspberries are thorny, sticky plants. Pruning is the most effective way to avoid these headaches. When pruning ever-bearing raspberries you should wear heavy gloves, long sleeves, and eye protection! Without it, you will be pulling thorns and healing scratches for weeks afterward!