Thank you for your question.

I can confirm that this tree is in the genus Euonymus. However, the resolution in the picture does not enable me to identify the specific species. Collectively it belongs in the group known as spindle trees. in Hennepin County, the best time for its pruning is late winter—approximately February through early March—before the buds begin expanding. Pruning now (late September 2026), when temperatures are still warm, may stimulate dormant buds to produce new shoots that may not harden before freezing and then die back. This would reduce 2027 growth. Fall pruning would also remove foliage that is still producing energy via photosynthesis. This could negatively impact winter survival.

The only exception to these guidelines would be removal of dead branches. Doing this at any time should not have negative effects.

See the following for further information:

https://thtreeservices.co.uk/when-to-prune-a-spindle-tree/

Good luck. Thanks for consulting our forum.