Pruning

Pruning principles (the 3 Ds)

Wear gloves and cover skin: some plants have irritant sap (for example euphorbia, which can harm skin and eyes, and cherry laurel). Keep tools sharp and clean, and disinfect blades between cuts to avoid spreading disease. Remember every pruning cut is a wound that can let disease in, so make clean cuts. If a job needs a ladder or working at height, be honest about what you can do safely and call a qualified tree surgeon for large trees.

Where to get help

NHS 111, or seek medical advice