• Using the proper pruning tools will enhance the beauty of your trees.loppers image by Edsweb from Fotolia.com
  
  Pruning a tree incorrectly is worse than not pruning it at all, according to the Texas AgriLife Extension. Using the proper tools increases the chances that your pruning job will cause no damage and enhance the beauty of the tree. Keep your tools in good, sharp condition to avoid accidents and prevent disease. Use of alcohol or bleach on your tools will help prevent the spread of disease between trees. Choose tools based on the size of stem or branch they are able to cut. Choose tree-trimming tools that are easy to sharpen and to handle.
  
  

Hand Pruning Shears

• Hand pruning shears cut stems up to 3/4 inch in diameter. Pruning shears work by either scissor or anvil action, according to Texas AgriLife Extension. Hand shears with a scissor cut, also known as bypass pruners, are more costly than anvil shears because they provide a more precise, clean, close cut. Bypass shears work by shearing with a thin sharp blade across a thicker but equally sharp blade. Anvil cutters have only one sharp blade, which crosses a flat blade; this type of cut may result in stem damage, reports the University of Rhode Island Landscape Horticulture Program.
  
  

Pole Pruners

• Pole pruners have a hooked blade that rests above the cutting blade. Using a rope to pull the cutting blade down allows you to cut branches overhead. Safety issues arise when falling branches come out of the tree. Use head and eye protection when using these shears. The pole portion of the pole pruner comes in several materials including wood, aluminum and fiberglass.
  
  

Lopping Shears

• Lopping shears are also known as loppers. Lopping shears have long handles and can easily cut through a ½-inch diameter branch. Higher-quality lopping shears can cut through up to 2 inches or more depending on whether the wood is soft or hard. Lopping shears are designed in a similar manner to pruning shears, but the length of their handles improves leverage, allowing you to cut thicker branches.
  
  

Hedge Shears

• Hedge shears are only used for shaping trees and shrubs because they only have the ability to cut small stems. Hedge shears can be manual, electric or gas powered. Frequent trimming of hedges can lead to die-back and pest problems, according to the University of Rhode Island Landscape Horticulture Program.
  
  

Tree or Pruning Saw

• Pruning saws come as folding saws or bow saws. They may fold or be rigid and have the ability to cut large branches that hand pruners cannot handle. Pruning saws are recommended over carpenter saws because of their ability to make a fast, easy cut, according to Texas AgriLife Extension. The blade of the pruning saw can be curved or straight with teeth that are coarse or fine. Coarse teeth work well for branches of 3 inches or more in diameter, whereas fine-tooth blades can handle up to 2 ½ inches in diameter.
  
  

Chain Saw

• Although chain saws can be used for tree trimming or pruning, they are not recommended without proper eye and clothing protection. Because of the risk of injury, they are only recommended if you are skilled in their use. Engine size and blade length dictate the size of branch that can be cut with a chain saw. Chain saws may be electric or gas powered.