A lot of pruning in December depends on your climate. In colder and milder regions, plants go dormant in winter, which is perfect for pruning them, but you do want to avoid pruning during spells of extreme cold and frosty weather. It is always better to do your pruning on milder, frost-free days, and keep a close eye on local forecasts to avoid trimming just before extreme cold arrives.
While in warmer climates, plants may not go fully dormant, but there is a risk of early pruning forcing them to produce tender new shoots, which will be at risk during any cold snaps. It can make December pruning feel like a potential minefield, and the risk of making the pruning mistake of trimming at the wrong time may give inexperienced gardeners sleepless nights.
