The 11 Best Pole Saws of 2023
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Prune away even high tree branches while keeping your feet on the ground
The Spruce / Brian Kopinski
At its most basic, a pole saw or pole pruner is a small chainsaw or hand saw attached to an extension pole. This isn't a tool for cutting down trees, but rather, a useful garden helper for pruning or trimming tree or shrub branches that are up too high for you to otherwise reach easily without a ladder.
Noah James, professional landscaper and owner of Liberty Lawn Maintenance, says, "For those who take pride in their landscaping and curb appeal, a pole saw is a must-have. It allows you to sculpt your trees and bushes with precision. With a pole saw you can effortlessly trim tree branches from the comfort of the ground. No more stretching or straining to reach those high branches."
You'll find a wide array of pole saws for sale at garden centers and home improvement shops. These tree trimmers come in various lengths and bar sizes, plus there are manual, gas-powered, corded electric, and battery-powered models to choose from.
When choosing the one best suited to your needs, Noah James advises, "First, consider the size and type of branches you'll be cutting. If you're dealing with a thicker, harder material, you'll need a saw with a more robust motor or a larger bar length. Next, think about the reach you'll need to access those higher branches. Pole saws come in different lengths, so be sure to measure the height you'll be working at to ensure your saw can reach."
"Comfort and durability are also essential, so look for features such as ergonomic handles and sturdy construction. Another crucial consideration is safety. Be sure to choose a saw with adequate safety features, such as an automatic chain brake, to prevent injury. Finally, think about the maintenance and ease of use of the saw. A straightforward, user-friendly design can make all the difference in how smoothly your work goes."
We evaluated numerous pole saws to choose the best based on power, effectiveness, ease of use, required maintenance, durability, and overall value.
Best Overall: Greenworks 20672 40-Volt Cordless Pole Saw
This cordless pole saw can make up to 65 cuts on a single charge.
What We Like
Good battery runtime
Well balanced
Under 10 pounds with battery
Comfortable handle
What We Don't Like
Self-oiler requires frequent refills
While not as powerful as a professional tool, we love this sturdy pole saw from Greenworks. It comes with a 40-volt, 2-amp hour battery, which, when fully charged, provides up to 65 cuts before needing a recharge. Plus, the battery is compatible with Greenworks' many other 40V tools, which include hedge trimmers, string trimmers, leaf blowers, and chainsaws. This pole saw has an 8-inch bar and chain, allowing you to cut through branches up to 6 inches in diameter. The slightly angled head makes reaching into overhead tree branches even easier and isolates just the limb you want to remove. The tool has an automatic oiler to keep the chain rotating smoothly, although the oiler requires fairly frequent refills. It's also easy to adjust the chain tension, but be aware that the chain can slightly loosen during use.
The aluminum pole comes in three pieces, so you can leave out the middle section if you don't need much reach or add it in for a maximum length of 8 feet, with a reach length of 10 feet or so, depending on your arm length. That allows you to reach up into most backyard trees to remove dead, damaged, or improperly positioned branches with no need for a ladder. The handle of the tool has a cushioned overmold which makes it more comfortable to grasp, and the pole saw is well-balanced in weight between the battery at one end and the saw at the other, helping you more easily maneuver the saw up into the tree branches.
The pole saw alone weighs 7.96 pounds, but the battery adds an additional 1.84 pounds. Still, that's a bit under 10 pounds total, so this is a fairly lightweight pole saw. It's reasonably priced as well. Overall, we highly recommend this cordless tool for anyone who has a few average-sized trees to maintain.
Price at time of publish: $229
Power Source: Battery | Maximum Length: 8 feet | Weight: 7.96 pounds | Maximum Branch Diameter: 6 inches
Best Budget: WEN 4019 Corded Pole Saw
Here's a very reasonably priced pole saw that's great for small yards.
What We Like
Anti-vibration handle
Includes shoulder strap
Telescoping pole
What We Don't Like
Requires separate purchase of extension cord
Somewhat top-heavy
If you have a small yard with only a couple of trees that need pruning and you don't want to spend much on a pole saw, then we recommend this corded option from WEN. Note that you will have to supply your own extension cord, which must be rated for outdoor use. You can use up to a 150-foot, 14-gauge extension cord. The pole saw itself has an 8-inch bar and chain at a slight angle for easier targeting of the branch you want to cut. The 6-amp motor spins the chain at up to 36 feet per second, easily chewing through branches up to 6 inches in diameter. The handle of this pole saw telescopes from a low of 5.3 feet to a maximum of 7.3 feet, giving you roughly 10 feet of reach when the saw is fully extended.
At 7.2 pounds, this is a light saw, but because most of the weight is at the far end of the tool, not down near the handle, it can feel heavier. However, it comes with a shoulder strap which helps balance the weight during your work sessions. It has an automatic oiler to keep the chain running smoothly, and it is easy to adjust the chain tension, although, as with many pole saws, the chain can loosen somewhat during use. It has a comfortable handle designed to reduce vibrations to your hands and arms, and it's not too loud when powered on.
Price at time of publish: $80
Power Source: Corded electric | Maximum Length: 7.3 feet | Weight: 7.2 pounds | Maximum Branch Diameter: 6 inches
Best Manual: Notch 40207 18-Foot Manual Pole Saw Set
Professional arborists love this extremely sharp and effective manual tree pruner.
What We Like
Extremely sharp, durable blade
Extends up to 18 feet
Easily cuts through 8-inch branches
What We Don't Like
Requires care and practice to use effectively at full extension
Designed for professionals, this is a manual pole saw, meaning that you'll need to provide the back-and-forth sawing power rather than relying on a motor to do the heavy work for you. Still, the 15-inch premium carbon steel blade with its tri-edge, razor-sharp teeth slice cleanly and easily through branches up to 8 inches in diameter. The blade has chrome plating to help ward off rust and corrosion, and the metal is hardened to keep the blade sharp for a long time, although you'll need to resharpen it if you use it regularly periodically. The blade has an additional hook for pulling down dead or loose branches.
The pole is made of fiberglass for lighter weight and increased strength. It won't bend or wiggle once properly assembled. The pole comes in three pieces, each measuring 6 feet in length, so you can assemble it to 6 feet, 12 feet, or 18 feet in total length. The pole pieces clip together easily and sturdily, but aligning the blade to the pole can be a little tricky. And, of course, at 18 feet, you'll be balancing 8.4 pounds over quite a distance, so this is a saw that requires some practice and care to use effectively. Still, once you get the hang of it, you can cut very cleanly and quickly through branches way up high in your trees while still remaining safely on the ground.
Price at time of publish: $167
Power Source: Manual | Maximum Length: 18 feet | Weight: 8.4 pounds | Maximum Branch Diameter: 8 inches
Best Gas: Echo PPT-2620 X-Series 25.4cc Gas Power Pole Saw
Keep trees looking their best with this professional-quality pole saw that has a 12-inch cutting bar.
What We Like
Very powerful
Easily cuts branches up to 8 inches thick
Comfortable grip
What We Don't Like
Heavy
Requires mixing gas and oil
Expensive
Most homeowners won't need this beast of a pole saw, but if you have a lot of large trees, can't be tied down to an extension cord or a battery runtime, and need enough power to clear away branches from hardwood trees, then we recommend this gas-powered, 1.35-horsepower professional-quality pole saw from Echo. With its 12-inch bar and chain, you can cleanly cut through branches up to 8 inches in diameter. The pole telescopes from a low of 9 feet to a maximum of 12 feet, giving you around 14 feet of reach; that's high. Of course, at 17.4 pounds, this is a heavy tool to hold over your head while at work, so you'll appreciate the included shoulder strap that helps to balance the weight.
The engine starts easily and has loads of power and torque for efficient cutting. There's an automatic oiler to keep the chain running smoothly and a 2-stage filtration system to help protect the engine from dust and debris. But be aware that the engine in this pole saw is a 2-stroke engine, meaning you'll need to mix gasoline with oil at a 50:1 ratio when filling the 20.6-ounce fuel tank. The tool is designed to reduce vibration to your hands and arms and has a rubber-covered ergonomic handle to improve your grip. While the price reflects the professional construction and performance, this is a great pole saw for anyone who needs nonstop power and high reach to keep a property full of trees looking its best.
Price at time of publish: $599
Power Source: Gas | Maximum Length: 12 feet | Weight: 17.4 pounds | Maximum Branch Diameter: 8 inches
Best Corded Electric: Worx WG309 8-Foot Corded Pole Saw
This tool is both a chainsaw and a pole saw for extra versatility.
What We Like
Can be used as chainsaw or pole saw
Handle rotates
Very reasonable price
What We Don't Like
Somewhat top heavy
Requires extension cord
This nifty corded tool is both a pole saw and a chainsaw in one. Use the chainsaw portion to fell small trees, remove low branches, or cut up small logs on the ground, or attach the 8-foot extension pole to use it as a pole saw for removing branches up to 8 inches in diameter up high in your trees while keeping your feet firmly on the ground. Either way, this electric tool has an 8-amp motor that does require you to provide an extension cord up to 150 feet and is 14-gauge rated. The cutting bar and chain are 10 inches long, which is a great size for most tasks around the garden. And the handle rotates 180 degrees, so you can adjust the cutting bar just how you need it without having to re-angle your body.
On the downside, the tool is somewhat top-heavy when used as a pole saw, and at 10 pounds with the extension pole in place, it's not exceptionally light. But it's quite easy to use, and you don't need any tools to attach or remove the extension pole. It has an automatic oiler to keep the chain in good condition and an auto-chain tension control to keep the chain from coming loose while you work. While it's not the most powerful pole saw, it's more than adequate for typical pruning tasks on backyard trees. And its reasonable price makes it even more of a great addition to your collection of gardening tools.
Price at time of publish: $12-
Power Source: Corded electric | Maximum Length: 8 feet | Weight: 10 pounds | Maximum Branch Diameter: 8 inches
Best Battery-Powered: DEWALT DCPS620M1 20-Volt Max Cordless Pole Saw Kit
DEWALT's pole saw has a long battery runtime so you can finish pruning before the power runs out.
What We Like
Bucking spikes
Long battery runtime
Cuts 8-inch branches
What We Don't Like
Doesn't include chain oil
There are a lot of cordless pole saws out there, but we really like this sturdy model from DEWALT. Its brushless motor requires little maintenance and is powered by the included 20-volt, 4-amp hour battery that the manufacturer claims can make up to 96 cuts on a single charge. That should be enough to finish your tree pruning session before recharging. The pole extends to a maximum of 10 feet, giving you 12 or more feet of reach. And the slightly angled head makes it easy to position the 8-inch cutting bar correctly to quickly remove branches up to 8 inches in diameter. The tool on its own weighs just 8.4 pounds, but remember that the included battery adds an additional 1.4 pounds, bringing the total weight up to 9.8 pounds.
The head of the tool has a limb hook for snagging cut or dead branches and easing them to the ground rather than letting them drop uncontrolled on their own. Plus, unlike many other pole saws, this one has metal bucking spikes at the base of the cutting bar, which help you stabilize your saw against the branch, thus increasing your leverage and control while making your cut. The tool has an auto-oiler to keep the chain running smoothly, but as with many pole saws, the oil reservoir is small, so you'll need to check it and refill it frequently. Unlike many other pole saws, this one does not come with a bottle of chain oil, so you'll need to purchase that separately.
Price at time of publish: $229
Power Source: Battery | Maximum Length: 10 feet | Weight: 8.4 pounds | Maximum Branch Diameter: 8 inches
Best Adjustable Head: Sun Joe SWJ803E Electric Multi-Angle Pole Saw
You can angle the head of this pole saw anywhere between 0 and 30 degrees.
What We Like
Head can be angled anywhere from 0 to 30 degrees
Cuts branches up to 9.5 inches thick
Very reasonable price
What We Don't Like
100-foot extension cord maximum
Length of pole not as long as many others
Most pole saws have a fixed head, which can require a great deal of maneuvering to get the tool into the best position for removing a branch. However, this corded-electric pole saw from Sun Joe has an adjustable head that can be set anywhere from inline with the pole up to a 30-degree angle. That gives you a lot more flexibility when tackling hard-to-reach branches. Plus, the 8-amp motor has enough power to muscle through branches up to 9.5 inches in diameter with the included 10-inch bar and chain. The telescoping pole has a range of 5.8 feet up to 8.8 feet, giving you a maximum reach height of around 10 to 11 feet. And at 7.9 pounds, this is a lightweight pole saw, which can really make a difference when holding it over your head for long.
You will need to provide an extension cord to power the saw. Sun Joe recommends an extension cord no longer than 100 feet and with a minimum of 14 gauge. That means you must be within 100 feet of an electrical outlet while using the pole saw, so it's best suited for fairly small yards. Still, it's a very reasonably priced tool with plenty of oomph for pruning typical backyard trees. Its ergonomic handle and foam-covered grip make it easy to hold. Like most pole saws, it has an auto-oiler with a fairly small reservoir, so be sure to check the oil level frequently and refill when necessary.
Price at time of publish: $94
Power Source: Corded electric | Maximum Length: 8.8 feet | Weight: 7.9 pounds | Maximum Branch Diameter: 9.5 inches
The Best Tree Loppers for Pruning Thick Branches
Best Versatility: EGO MPS1001 Power+ Head and Pole Saw Attachment
The EGO power head can be used with many gardening attachments.
What We Like
Power head works with many other EGO attachments
Cuts branches up to 8 inches thick
What We Don't Like
Fairly heavy
Not especially long
Expensive
This tool is part of EGO's Multi-Head System, meaning that along with the included pole saw attachment, you can use the same power head with many other EGO attachments, including their hedge trimmer, cultivator, edger, string trimmer, brush cutter, and power broom. That's enough versatility to maintain your entire backyard. The MPS1001 kit includes the power head, which has a high-efficiency brushless motor powered by the included 56-volt, 2.5-amp hour battery, which EGO claims can make up to 70 cuts on a single charge. The included pole saw attachment has a 10-inch cutting bar and chain that can cut branches up to 8 inches in diameter. Note that the assembled pole saw is only a bit over 7 feet from the tip of the chain to the end of the power head, but if you need even more length than that, EGO sells a separate additional 31-inch extension rod.
There are small bucking spikes on the head, which help you get better leverage when cutting through a branch. The automatic oiler helps keep your chain lubricated and spinning freely, but must be topped off regularly and the oil is not included with the kit. You'll also need to assemble the chain and cutting bar initially, but that is a reasonably simple process. When assembled, the tool weighs 15.2 pounds, which is fairly heavy, so keep that in mind if weight is a major concern. While this is a fairly expensive kit, remember that once you own the included power head, you can use it with many other EGO products. If you happen to already own the EGO power head, then you can purchase just the pole saw attachment separately.
Price at time of publish: $319
Power Source: Battery | Maximum Length: 7 feet | Weight: 15.2 pounds | Maximum Branch Diameter: 8 inches
Best Lightweight: Sun Joe SWJ800E Electric Pole Saw
It only weighs 7.7 pounds, but this pole saw still has enough power to get the job done.
What We Like
Reasonable price
Only 7.7 pounds
Good reach height
What We Don't Like
Chain oil sold separately
Requires separate extension cord
Can be a bit tricky to maneuver when fully extended
At 7.7 pounds, this lightweight corded pole saw from Sun Joe won't wear you out as quickly as heavier models, but that doesn't mean it's a slouch when it comes to pruning trees. It has a 6.5-amp motor and an 8-inch cutting bar and chain that can handle branches as thick as 7.5 inches quickly and cleanly. The telescoping pole has a range of 5.6 feet up to 8.7 feet, meaning that you can have a reach height of around 11 feet, but be aware that the tool can be somewhat unbalanced or unwieldy when fully extended. Still, if you need to reach branches way up high, this reasonably priced pole saw is easy to use and very effective.
You'll need to purchase the chain oil separately, but the pole saw does have an auto-oiler, although as with most other pole saws, you'll need to refill the reservoir frequently. You will also need to supply an extension cord that's no more than 100 feet long and at least 14 gauge. That means you are restricted to pruning trees within 100 feet of an electrical outlet, so this tool is best for those with smaller yards. The head of the tool is aligned straight with the extension pole, not at a slight angle, so it might require a bit more maneuvering to get the saw positioned properly over the branch you want to remove. Still, this is an effective, fairly powerful pole saw that's ideal for those only occasionally needing to do some light branch removal.
Price at time of publish: $82
Power Source: Corded electric | Maximum Length: 8.7 feet | Weight: 7.7 pounds | Maximum Branch Diameter: 7.5 inches
Best Telescoping: Scotts PS45010S Corded Pole Saw
This corded pole saw has around a 12-foot reach height.
What We Like
Cuts branches up to 9.5 inches thick
Reach height around 12 feet
Reasonable price
What We Don't Like
Can be tricky to maneuver when fully extended
Requires separate extension cord
If you need extra reach for high tree branches, then you'll appreciate this pole saw from Scotts, which has a telescoping extension pole with a maximum length of 9.25 feet, giving you close to a 12-foot reach height. If you don't need a tool that long, the minimum length of the pole when collapsed is just a bit under 7 feet. The corded pole saw has an 8-amp motor with plenty of power to spin the 10-inch chain. You can cut branches as thick as 9.5 inches, which makes this well-suited to just about any tree in your yard. Not only that, but you can adjust the head to five different angles ranging from 0 to 30 degrees, which is helpful when reaching through intertwined or leafy foliage. And at a little under 8 pounds, it's not too heavy, although it can be unwieldy at full extension.
The foam-covered, molded handle is easy to grip, helping you control the pole better. It's easy to adjust the chain tension and check the oil level in the auto-oiler reservoir. You'll need to top the oil off rather frequently. You'll need to supply an extension cord to power the pole saw that's at least 14 gauge and no more than 100 feet long. If you have a smaller yard, but tall trees, this is the pole saw for you. It's very reasonably priced, as well.
Price at time of publish: $90
Power Source: Corded electric | Maximum Length: 9.25 feet | Weight: 8 pounds | Maximum Branch Diameter: 9.5 inches
The 10 Best Gardening Tools of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Best for Light Pruning: BLACK+DECKER LPP120 20-Volt Max Pole Saw Kit
Keep your trees looking good with this lightweight, easy-to-use pole saw.
What We Like
Easy to use
Good reach height
Bar and chain come assembled
What We Don't Like
No auto-oiler
Best for thin branches
This isn't the tool for cutting through hard, thick branches, but if you need to clean away smaller limbs no more than 6 inches in diameter—although ideally, just a couple of inches thick—this lightweight pole saw is easy to use and effective. It runs off an included 20-volt, 1.5-amp hour battery, which BLACK+DECKER claims can make up to 100 cuts on pine branches before needing a recharge. The bar and chain are 8 inches long and unlike many other pole saws, come already assembled and ready for use. However, this pole saw does not have an auto-oiler, so you will need to apply a thin coat of oil to the chain before each use. An oiled chain is critical to the smooth operation of a pole saw or chainsaw.
The head of this tool is not at an angle to the pole, so you'll need to maneuver carefully to reach through foliage or thick growth to reach your targeted branch. The lightweight fiberglass telescoping pole is 10 feet when fully extended down to 6.5 feet when collapsed. Depending on your own height and the angle at which you hold the pole, you can have 12 feet or more of reach height, but as with all pole saws, the more the pole is extended, the trickier it can be to balance while reaching overhead. With the battery installed, the tool weighs a little less than 10 pounds.
Price at time of publish: $159
Power Source: Battery | Maximum Length: 10 feet | Weight: 10 pounds | Maximum Branch Diameter: 6 inches
Final Verdict
Our top pick, the Greenworks 20672, is a powerful cordless tool with an 8-inch cutting bar and a 40-volt battery that can make up to 65 cuts on a single charge. It has an 8-foot pole, is well-balanced, and is not too heavy for easy use. But if you are looking for an inexpensive pole saw for occasional use around a small yard, then we recommend the WEN 4019, which is a corded tool with a 7.3-foot pole that can cut branches up to 6 inches in diameter.
What to Look For In a Pole Saw
Power Source
When it comes to pole saws, there are four basic power sources, each with its own pros and cons.
Manual pole saws, including our Best Manual pick, the Notch 40207 18-Foot Manual Pole Saw Set, often called pole pruners, do not have a power source beyond their own design and your applied muscle power. Typically, a manual pole saw is basically a pruning saw on an extension pole, although these often telescope to longer lengths than powered options, allowing you to reach branches way high up in the tree.
On the plus side, these gardening tools are generally light in weight and low in cost. They require little maintenance beyond occasional sharpening, and they don’t emit fumes. Professional models can often cut through branches that are quite large. However, unless you are a professional arborist or have training in safe tree trimming, it’s best to stick with smaller models that are designed to cut through branches measuring no more than a couple of inches in diameter. And, of course, another downside to a manual pole saw is that it can be tiring to use one.
Corded electric pole saws—our Best Corded pick is the Worx WG309 8-Foot Pole Saw— require you to add an extension cord that’s no more than 100 to 150 feet long, which means you’ll be limited to trimming trees within close range of an electrical outlet. However, for many homeowners with smaller yards, that’s not a difficult feat. Corded pole saws tend to be lighter than other powered pole saws; that’s important when holding a long pole above your head for any length of time. Plus, you won’t need to worry about a battery running out of power before you are finished pruning, nor will you need to add gasoline or smell gas fumes while you work. And corded pole saws are generally the least expensive of the power options. Most have motors that are 6 amps to 10 amps and can handle branches that are 2 inches to 5 inches in diameter.
Battery pole saws are rapidly gaining in popularity as battery technology improves. Our Best Battery pick is DEWALT’s DCPS620M1 20-volt model with an 8-inch chain. You won’t need to worry about an extension cord or electrical outlet, so you can cut branches anywhere. There’s no need for gasoline and no fumes with these models. However, they can be heavy, you’ll need to keep an eye on your battery runtime, and unless you have a backup battery, you’ll need to wait an hour or longer for the battery to recharge before you can get back to work. You’ll find these pole saws with batteries ranging from 20 volts to 80 volts, although 20-volt or 40-volt are the most common for home use. Battery pole saws can generally handle branches up to 8 inches in diameter.
Gas-powered pole saws are by far the most powerful type, suited to professional use or heavy-duty tasks cutting large branches. Our Best Gas recommendation is the Echo PPT-2620 X-Series, which has a 12-inch cutting bar. Most homeowners won’t need these heavy-duty tools, but if you are a homesteader or have very large trees on your property, and you are well-trained in tree-trimming techniques, then you might find the higher cost and maintenance needs of a gas-powered pole saw to be worth your while. The engine of a gas pole saw is usually 20cc to 40cc, and these tools are useful for branches up to 10 or 12 inches in diameter, although for anyone not trained as an arborist, it’s best to leave such large branches to a professional.
Cutting Bar Length
The cutting bar length determines the thickness of the branch you’ll be able to cut with the pole saw. You’ll find saws with blades as short as 4 inches and saws with blades that are a foot long, but generally, pole saws for residential use have cutting bars that are 6 to 8 inches long. Our Best Overall choice, the Greenworks 20672, has an 8-inch cutting bar. As a rough guideline, subtract two from the length of your cutting bar, and that’s the maximum thickness of the branch it can handle. So, for example, a 6-inch cutting bar should be used for branches no thicker than 4 inches unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer.
If you need to cut branches that are much beyond 9 inches thick, a chainsaw is your best bet, rather than a pole saw.
Height and Reach
There are two important lengths to consider when choosing a pole saw: the pole’s actual length and the “reach” or height you can actually achieve while using it. Remember that a pole saw is held in both hands up above your head, so your own arm length adds to the overall reach of the tool. Generally, the reach of a pole saw is 2 or 3 feet longer than the actual length of the pole, so for example, a pole saw with a 7-foot extension pole would have a reach of 9 to 10 feet.
When choosing a pole saw, consider the average height of the branches you’ll be trimming, as well as the length of your own arms. Don’t automatically assume that the longer the pole saw the better; keep in mind that the longer the pole, the more difficult it can be to maneuver and the more it will weigh, so it’s best to stick with a tool that’s not longer than necessary. Generally, power pole saws have a reach height of 10 to 12 feet, while manual models might reach as high as 18 to 20 feet. BLACK+DECKER’s LPP120, our Best for Light Pruning recommendation, has a 10-foot pole that gives you around 12 feet of reach.
Weight
Because you hold a pole saw above your head for a considerable amount of time while working, it can be very tiring to use one for long. For that reason, it’s a good idea to consider the weight of the tool before choosing one. The lightest options are manual pole pruners, but if you need a powered option, then typically, it’s the corded models that are lightest. Many of these weigh less than 10 pounds, and some less than 8 pounds. Battery and gas pole saws are considerably heavier. These options can weigh over 20 pounds, making them difficult to use for a lengthy work session. However, you’ll find some that are 15 to 20 pounds. If you need a really light pole saw, then check out our Best Lightweight choice, the Sun Joe SWJ800E, which is only 7.7 pounds and has an 8.7-foot pole.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big of a tree can a pole saw cut?
Note that pole saws are not for cutting trees down, but rather, for removing limbs and branches. As a general rule, pole saws are useful for cutting through branches up to 10 inches in diameter, depending on the length of the tool’s blade and the power of the saw, although the majority of these tools designed for residential use only handle branches of a few inches in diameter. As a guideline, you can generally safely use a pole saw to cut through a branch that’s 2 inches thinner than the length of the blade. So, for example, the maximum branch you should tackle with an 8-inch pole saw is 6 inches in diameter.
If you need to remove a branch that’s thicker than 12 inches, a chainsaw is your best bet. And if you are looking to remove a branch that’s both thick and high off the ground, it’s wise to call in a professional unless you are an experienced tree trimmer.
What is the difference between a pole saw and a pole pruner?
While these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, technically a pole saw is a power tool that is basically a small chainsaw on an extension pole, while a pole pruner, also called a tree pruner, is a manual saw on an extension pole.
Are pole saws easy to use?
With practice and common sense, it’s not too difficult to use a pole saw, but keep in mind that like any powerful and sharp tool, you need to follow basic safety guidelines. Never use a pole saw while standing on a ladder. Your feet should both be securely positioned on the ground. And protective gear is a must, including eye covers, work gloves, and a hard hat. Remember that a pole saw is long and can be heavy, so be cautious and move slowly while positioning the tool onto the branch you want to remove. Once the pole saw is positioned, you can turn on the motor and let the saw do most of the work for you, rather than you sawing the tool back and forth or applying lots of pressure. Be sure not to stand directly beneath the branch you are trimming, and do not attempt to cut any branches that are near power lines. If in doubt, it’s best to call a professional arborist or tree-trimming service to handle difficult pruning jobs.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Michelle Ullman, who is a writer specializing in home and garden products. She has been a commerce writer for The Spruce since 2020, covering a wide range of home improvement products including power and hand tools, painting supplies, landscaping tools, and tool organizers. To choose the best pole saws for this article, she evaluated dozens of these tools from various brands, evaluating each for power, bar size, length, effectiveness, ease of use, and overall value. She also relied on feedback from customers, both positive and negative, as well as information from various tool and landscaping websites.
Noah James, professional landscaper and owner of Liberty Lawn Maintenance, offered further extensive expertise on choosing and using the best pole saws.
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