Category: Pole Saws

Pole saws (also called pole pruners or tree pruners) come in handy whenever you need to trim some branches higher above the ground – it’s much more comfortable and safer to use a saw mounted on a long pole from the ground than climbing a ladder with a regular saw.

Best Pruning Saws

Take a look at our most recommended tools currently for sale – for more information, check out our reviews with videos and photos!

* price with and without battery

And some units for more frequent use (but also more expensive):

Also bear in mind that even if you would use the pole trimmer only a few times per year, it will pay for itself quite fast when taking into account how much you’d pay for a professional.

How to choose the right pole saw?

Firstly, think about what do you intend to use it for – do you need a cheaper tool to use only a few times per year? Or a commercial-grade machine for frequent pruning? Do you need to reach really high or are all the limbs you need to cut closer to the ground? Let’s list the most important factors:

1. Frequency of use and your budget – these two are closely connected, if you need to use the pruner only a few times per year, you wouldn’t probably want to spend a lot of money on it. On the other hand, high quality units for a frequent use cost much more.

2. Reach – think about what height you’ll need to reach at so that you don’t buy a model that is too short. Most telescoping chainsaws offer a reach of about 14 feet – so if you need more, a manual pole trimmer will be your best bet. (the formula is simple – take the tool’s length and add a few feet depending on your height and how high you’ll be able to hold it – for example at chest-high with lighter ones and at waist level with those that are heavier)

3. Branch size – also consider how large will be the limb you need to cut. Most of the time, pole chain saws are able to cut branches that are 1"-2" shorter than its bar so if you need to deal with thicker limbs, get a gas pole saw or an electric with a 10" bar. Manual saws are able to cut branches with thickness approximately one half of the saw length.

4. Type – there are four types available: manual pole saws and electric (corded), cordless or gas chainsaws – and each one has its advantages and disadvantages. So think about your needs and how they correlate with each type, for example buying a corded unit for a very large property wouldn’t be a good idea.

Prefer a certain brand?

If you already own some products of a particular manufacturer’s cordless lineup or just have a favorite brand, we have specific sections for you 😉

 

 

Using a pole saw can be quite dangerous if you do not follow some basic safety principles. Most of them are pretty obvious and you can probably figure them out using a common sense – but just in case you are not completely sure, here they are:

Check the saw

The next step before each use is to inspect the chain for any missing, damaged or heavily worn pieces – if you find any, the safest option is to replace the chain.

Also make sure it is properly oiled and check its tension (and remember to always wear gloves while manipulating with it).

How to prune

• Use the pole saw only when standing on a flat and stable surface – no mud, ice, slope or even a ladder, stepstool or similar raised position that is not fully secured.
• Ensure there are no power lines nearby – maintain a distance of at least 50 feet as electricity can arc from one point to another!



• Plan an escape path in case some branches fell unexpectedly and make sure there are no bystanders nearby that can be hit by falling limbs
• Do not stand directly below the branch – this is a no-brainer but also the most important point. Rather maintain a 60 degree angle – it is the least tiring position and also keeps a safe distance from the limb.

Now let’s talk a bit about the actual pruning technique:

• Rest the pole saw on the branch and apply only a little pressure – let its weight do the job.
• Release the pressure just before the end of the cut a grip the handle tightly – do not let the tool fall with the limb.
• Start with lower limbs and then continue upwards.
• When dealing with long and heavy limbs, start from the end and make two or more cuts to gradually relieve pressure – and after most of the branch has been removed, make a final smooth cut near the trunk.