I have the opportunity to have brush hauled away in a few days. I'd love to prune shrubs right now so the cuttings can be taken away now. It will be difficult to get rid of them in late winter/ early Spring.

What happens to the plants if I prune them now? Do they get messed up physiologically? Is it mainly convention that says prune in later winter or in spring/summer after blooming or is there a plant--health reason for recommending those times of year.

Thanks.