Choose them carefully and do not skimp. Bypass pruning shears feature a hook and blade and make the closest, cleanest cut. Anvil pruning shears have a straight edge blade that cuts against a soft metal anvil. They are lighter but cannot cut as closely as by-pass shears, but are ideal for cutting hard and frozen wood because the blade is sharpened on both sides. Loppers are long handled pruning shears.
Loppers also come in by-pass and anvil styles.
Tree Pruners are handy for high work, especially in places where using a ladder would be dangerous. Pruning Saws should be used on branches greater than 1 inch in diameter. Most pruning saws have curved blades that are designed to cut on the pull stroke. Saws with raker teeth cut large limbs quickly while bow saws are lightweight and make quick work of medium-size branches. Hedge Shears should have blades of at least 8 inches in length.