There are three basic techniques for handling branches and stems. (from Sogetsu textbook, Sofu Teshigahara)
Cutting, Trimming and Bending
Cutting: Branches should be cut at an angle, and flower stems should be cut across horizontally at the stem end. When cutting thick branches, they should be cut again at a sharper angle to make a sharper point at the base.
Trimming: Branches and flowers are carefully trimmed in Ikebana. All bruised or torn flowers or leaves must be removed or trimmed. Branches that cross each other should be removed or bent away from other branches. With constant practice they eye will become accustomed to the correct lines.
Bending techniques are used in many ways for Ikebana arrangements as it is rarely possible to use natural branches and flowers as they are. We can make branches (Eda mono) ready for arrangement by not only cutting and trimming, but importantly by skillfully bending. Bending also includes stretching and straightening crooked branches. Bending technique is also applied to plants (Kusa mono) material.