They allow you to avoidor at least minimizepotentially precarious work on a ladder.

Whatever the size of your project, there’s the correct pruning pole for you.

And this comprehensive guide will help you learn about each.

Gardener using telescopic pruning shears for garden maintenance

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Older-style pole trimmers had wooden handles, and this style is still available usually as a bargain-level tool.

Below, we’ll break down the ins and outs of each common key in of pole pruners.

Some models feature handles or other mechanisms that pinch the cutting jaws closed.

Closeup of cutting mechanism on the Hook-N-Pull pole pruner

The Spruce / David Beaulieu

They are lightweight pruners that are inexpensive, simple to use, and perfect for beginners.

They’re best for pruning small branches up to 1 inch in diameter.

When finished, simply release your pressure on the pole, and the cutting mechanism will spring open again.

Person trimming trees with pole pruners

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Models with telescoping fiberglass poles typically adjust from 8 to 16 feet.

They range in price depending on features, but they’re still fairly inexpensive.

The sawing action is primarily on the pull stroke.

Woman trimming tree branches with the Remington Axcess Trimmer

The Spruce / David Beaulieu

When the blade becomes dull, simply replace it with a new blade.

Some pruners have combination heads with a saw and a pruner-pop in cutter in one unit.

Saw heads typically include a hook at the base of the saw.

Pole chainsaw cutting tree branch in the spring

Pal Szilagyi Palko / EyeEm / Getty Images

Both corded and cordless models are available.

Many have a limited range of adjustability and can expand up to about 8 feet long.

This trimmer is best for trimming extra tall hedges without a ladder.

It’s not long enough for most tree trimming.

There are other trimmers more appropriate where a longer reach is needed.

These pruners are also great for cutting thicker branches that manual pruners can’t handle.

From a standing position, they can give an average-height person a reach of about 15 feet.

But if you live on a wooded property, a pole chainsaw might be an indispensable tool.

Pruners work best when used with species that are suitable for topiary pruning, such as boxwoods and arborvitaes.

Cost can also be a factor.