topping cutting and pruning

i wanted to start a new thread about maintenance of the plant as in pruning and methods like that.

so if anybody would like to add posts about what to cut and what not to cut, when to cut, why you should cut certain branches.... general things about pruning and even manicuring. that would be much appreciated cuz a thread like this is very necessary

my first question is should i just simply cut off the branches/ leaves that are dying? its probably very obvious but i would just like to know for the record