With the right assortment of pruners and loppers you can keep any plant in good shape and healthy, from rosebushes and shrubs to hedges and small trees.

Pruners are one-handed tools, loppers require two hands, most are available with Bypass or Anvil blades.

Anvil blades have only one blade which closes onto a flat surface. They tend to crush the stem, but remain reliable when slightly blunt. They offer efficient cutting action for dry, hard, old growth.

Bypass blades usually work exactly like a pair of scissors, with two blades passing each other to make the cut. At least one of the blades will be curved: a convex upper blade with either a concave or straight lower one. Some bypass designs have only one blade, the lower jaw being broad (like an anvil) but passing the upper jaw. They produce precise, clean flush cuts. Ideal for new green growth

Larger branches can be tackled with a garden saw and for precision trimming of delicate plants garden scissors are invaluable.

Pruning can be heavy, repetitive work, and trying to take on a big job with the wrong tool is the quickest way to increase your own weariness and frustration while also shortening the life of your equipment. Certain tools, like those with compound-action gears, will make the task easier. But the best way to keep things comfortable whenever you go out to prune is to wear gloves and make sure your tools are clean and sharp.