Pyracantha

I have been asked to "tidy up" a pyracantha. It is rather large and the elderly lady whose garden it is in refers to it as "the monster." All she really wants is for me to reduce its size in the hope the area will be less shady.

I have explained that if I prune the pyracantha at this time of year it may result in a burst of new growth which may mean it takes up even more space. Is this a good time of year to cut it back?

 

Damned if you do and damned if you don't, I say! Cut it before the flowers start to show or you won't have the heart to do it. But try to leave some old wood or you won't get any blossom/berries this year.
And wear full body armour.

 

Thanks.