Proper routine pruning can help reduce the risk of disease, manage insect pests and boost productivity. Pruning back all the stems eliminates the summer crop, but results in an earlier and larger fall harvest. Training raspberry plants keeps the berries off the ground, increases light penetration, boosts productivity, and makes harvesting much easier. Enlist summer pruning to help keep your raspberries healthy and productive. Make raspberry pruning a regular part of garden care.