answer:If you wear the proper protective apparel, don’t work from a ladder, have a companion in sight at all times to call for help if necessary, and don’t upset the bees, then you should be okay, I think. “Dead” vegetal matter can be removed at any time. It’s pruning of live growth that has to be managed at the proper time in the growing cycle. In fact, “dead” material should be cut off as soon as it is identified, to avoid insect infestation, rot and unnecessary stress to the plant.