Tools for cutting and pruning should always be kept sharp so that they cut cleanly and easily; blunt tools can leave a ragged wound that may become prone to infection.

Always use the appropriate tool for the task; knives and secateurs are useful for pruning soft material and woody stems up to 1 cm (1/2 in) thick, whilst saws and loppers work well on branches. Chainsaws should be used for more extensive tree surgery and felling. Hedges may be trimmed using shears or an electric or engine-driven hedgetrimmer.

All pruning and cutting equipment should be cleaned and oiled after use and the blades sharpened from time to time.