Hand pruners and loppers are available with either bypass or anvil blades. Bypass blades are sharpened, curved, and overlap, similar to scissor blades. Bypass blades are ideally used for new green growth. Anvil blades have a straight upper blade that cuts against a broad, flat blade. Anvil blades are most efficient for dry, hard and old growth.
Proper cuts require good, sharp pruning equipment.
Make all cuts clean and smooth and do not leave stubs or remove bark. In most cases, you should cut back each stem to a bud or branch. Do not make the cut too close or too far away because most new growth will come from this area. Your cuts should be slanted upward at about 45 to prevent water from collecting in the cut. Know the proper time to prune your plants.