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This handy tool makes those hard-to-reachtree branches easily prunable.

Best Pole Saws of 2023

The Spruce

Not all pole saws are operated the same way or are the same height.

Manual vs. Electric: Which to Choose?

Before buying a pole saw, decide if manual or electric is right for you.

Amazon Greenworks 20672 40-Volt Cordless Pole Saw

PHOTO: Amazon

Many pole saws come equipped with special features to make trimming easier.

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.

Amazon WEN 4019 Corded Pole Saw

PHOTO: Amazon

It’s reasonably priced as well.

Overall, we highly recommend this cordless tool for anyone who has a few average-sized trees to maintain.

Pole saws are not for cutting trees down, but for removing limbs and branches.

Amazon EGO MPS1001 Power+ Head and Pole Saw Attachment

PHOTO: Amazon

Depending on the saw, they can cut branches between 2 - 10 inches in diameter.

Note that you will have to supply your ownextension cord, which must be rated for outdoor use.

you’re able to use up to a 150-foot, 14-gauge extension cord.

Sun Joe SWJ800E Electric Pole Saw

PHOTO: Sun Joe

However, it comes with a shoulder strap which helps balance the weight during your work sessions.

That’s enough versatility to maintain your entire backyard.

Remember that once you own the included power head, you might use it with many other Ego products.

Amazon Scotts PS45010S Corded Pole Saw

PHOTO: Amazon

The corded pole saw has an 8-amp motor with plenty of power to spin the 10-inch chain.

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.

BLACK+DECKER LPP120 20-Volt Max Pole Saw Kit

PHOTO: BLACK+DECKER

If you have a smaller yard, but tall trees, this is the pole saw for you.

It’s very reasonably priced, as well.

An oiled chain is critical to the smooth operation of a pole saw or chainsaw.

Amazon Echo PPT-2620 X-Series 25.4cc Gas Power Pole Saw

PHOTO: Amazon

The lightweight fiberglass telescoping pole is 10 feet when fully extended down to 6.5 feet when collapsed.

With the battery installed, the tool weighs a little less than 10 pounds.

With its 12-inch bar and chain, you could cleanly cut through branches up to 8 inches in diameter.

The engine starts easily and has loads of power and torque for efficient cutting.

It has an 8-foot pole, is well-balanced, and is not too heavy for easy use.

Another crucial consideration is safety.

A straightforward, user-friendly design can make all the difference in how smoothly your work goes.

How Much Weight Can You Comfortably Hold?

That’s why its a good idea to consider the weight of the tool before choosing one.

The lightest options aremanual pole pruners,but they tend to wear you out faster.

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, youll find some that are 15 to 20 pounds.

Keep in mind that most battery-operated pole saws place the heavy battery at the base of the pole.

Frequently Asked Questions

How thick of wood can a pole saw cut?

The cutting bar length determines the thickness of the branch youll be able to cut.

Generally, pole saws for residential use have cutting bars that are 6 to 8 inches long.

Ourbest overall choice, the Greenworks 20672, has an 8-inch cutting bar.

What is the difference between a pole saw and a pole chainsaw?

A pole saw is basically, in its simplest form, a chainsaw on a stick.

A chainsaw does a similar job, but its handheld.

Use this for your other wood shopping or DIY projects.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was researched and written byMichelle Ullman, a writer specializing in home and garden products.