The Best Pole Saws For Trimming and Pruning That We’ve Tested

To stay healthy and look their best, trees need occasional pruning, which can be effectively tackled with a pole saw. A pole saw, which is basically a chainsaw attached to a long pole that lets you reach up to cut branches, can be just the tool for the job.

That being said, while pole saws can make pruning a whole lot easier, they’re not right for every situation. If you only need to prune thin twigs, vines, or foliage, a pole saw might be overkill. But if you plan to cut tree branches between 2 and 8 inches in diameter, a pole saw could be just the ticket.

To discover the best pole saws, we rounded up a list of the market’s top performers and then field-tested the standout models ourselves. Our favorite, the Echo Eforce DPPF-2100, stood out for delivering smooth, reliable cuts and long-lasting battery power in a versatile build that made long trimming sessions feel easier.

Keep reading to learn what’s most important to consider when selecting a trimming tool for your landscaping needs and to find out why we selected the following models as the best pole saws after performing our backyard tests.

1. BEST OVERALL: Echo eForce DPPF-2100 56V Power Pruner
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Worx WG349 20V 8” Power Share Pole Saw
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3. BEST BATTERY-POWERED: DeWalt 20V MAX XR Cordless Pole Saw Kit
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4. BEST GAS: Echo X Series PPT-2620 Power Pruner Pole Saw
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5. BEST MANUAL: Fiskars Power-Lever Extendable Pole Saw & Pruner
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6. BEST LIGHT-DUTY: Greenworks 40V 8” Cordless Pole Saw & Trimmer
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7. BEST HEAVY-DUTY: Milwaukee M18 Fuel 10” Pole Saw Kit With Quik-Lok
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8. BEST ATTACHMENT-CAPABLE: Husqvarna 330iKP Combi Switch + Pole Saw
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9. BEST COMBO:Ryobi 40V Pole Saw & Hedge Trimmer Combo Kit
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Pole Saw Comparison Chart

Our Top Picks

We tested a cross-section of the many different types of pole saws on the market. As we selected models for testing, we considered bar length, reach, runtime, weight, power source, and price. In the product reviews ahead, we cover each pole saw’s specs, pros, and cons and provide an overview of how each performed.  

Best Overall

Echo eForce DPPF-2100 56V Power Pruner

Buy at The Home Depot Buy at Forestry Suppliers

What We Like

• Powerful; can efficiently cut through 8-inch-thick branches
• Rigid pole for better control with 12-foot reach
• Kit includes battery and charger
• Shoulder strap helps reduce operator fatigue
• Best weight-to-power ratio of saws we tested

What We Don’t Like

• More expensive than other battery-powered saws we tested
• Shorter reach; extension pole sold separately

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Product Specs

• Weight: 12 pounds
• Length: 8 feet
• Bar size: 10 inches

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Cutting Power 5/5; Reach 4.5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.3/5 

Simple, strong, and easy to use, the Echo eForce Power Pruner is one of the most effective pole chainsaws for all-purpose landscape use. It comes equipped with a 10-inch guide bar and chain, a two-speed brushless motor, and enough length for users to reach branches up to 12 feet off the ground. The kit includes a 2.5-amp-hour (Ah) battery and charger, as well as a shoulder strap to help support the weight of the tool.

The Echo battery-powered pole saw was our favorite for several reasons. First, the simplicity of a dedicated tool that runs on batteries makes it an easy choice. There is something to be said about attachment-capable powerheads that can run different tools, but for chainsaw work, this fixed configuration felt sturdier. Although it was not the longest of the pole saws we tested, we found that the 12-foot reach was adequate for most of the cuts we made.

During testing, the saw ran smoothly. It was easy to control, and it made nice, clean cuts. The only real drawback was the price, which was the second highest among the test group. But despite the cost, if our home were surrounded by woods, this would be our go-to tool for everyday use.

What our tester says: “The eForce is a versatile pole saw, suitable for everything from cultivating a backyard orchard to performing regular pruning and general maintenance on a yard surrounded by encroaching trees. I cut more than 50 branches between 4 and 6 inches thick during testing, and the battery still showed a 50 percent charge afterward.”—Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Echo eForce pole saw at The Home Depot or Forestry Suppliers.

Best Bang for the Buck

Worx WG349 20V 8” Power Share Pole Saw

Buy at Amazon Buy at Target

What We Like

• Lightweight build, yet powerful enough for heavy-duty tasks
• Comfortable design prevents user strain
• Long reach helps users maneuver in hard-to-reach places
• Compact size for ease of storage

What We Don’t Like

• Relatively short runtime compared to competing saws
• Small bar oil reservoir won’t suit everyone’s needs
• Clamp failed to secure the pole, allowing slippage

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Product Specs

• Weight: 8 pounds
• Length: 9 feet 4 inches
• Bar size: 8 inches

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Cutting Power 4/5; Reach 4.5/5; Durability 4/5; Value 5/5

This cordless pole saw is ideal for those with small to mid-size yards who don’t need the heavy-duty brawn of gas pole saws. Powerful enough to trim branches up to 6.5 inches in diameter, it boasts a telescoping pole that gives users a maximum working height of 13 feet. 

This battery-powered pole saw weighs 8 pounds and has an automatic chain tensioner and a chain lube system. It’s also budget-friendly. However, one of the best features of this tool is the three-position head, which allows the user to choose between 0 degrees, 15 degrees, or 30 degrees to help trim hard-to-reach branches. 

This was the lightest noncorded pole saw we tested, and it was only a pound heavier than the lightest overall. The 20-volt (V) battery delivers a surprising amount of power—enough to cut all of the branches we tried. For occasional use on a branch or two, this tool makes a lot of sense.

What our tester says: “Though this isn’t built for extended trimming sessions on thick branches, it’s great for folks who plan on doing occasional, lighter-duty trimming. I loved how lightweight and comfortable it was to use. Talk about a smooth operator.”—Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Worx pole saw at Amazon or Target.

Best Battery-Powered

DeWalt 20V MAX XR Cordless Pole Saw Kit

Buy at Amazon Buy at The Home Depot Buy at Walmart

What We Like

• 3-foot extension offers users 2 operating lengths
• Included 20V XR battery fits other DeWalt tools
• Compact, durable in-line motor delivers outstanding cutting power

What We Don’t Like

• Significant play in pole connections reduces tool steadiness

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Product Specs

• Weight: 9 pounds
• Length: 10 feet 3 inches
• Bar size: 8 inches

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Cutting Power 4/5; Reach 4/5; Durability 4.5/5; Value 4.3/5

DeWalt was a pioneer in the cordless electric power tool revolution decades ago, and its battery-powered construction tools continue to lead the industry. The 20V MAX XR cordless pole saw kit is part of DeWalt’s more recent move into the battery-powered outdoor tool market. Equipped with an efficient brushless motor and an 8-inch bar and chain, this lightweight pole saw helps users remove small and mid-size branches up to 15 feet from the ground.

The kit we tested included a 4Ah battery that can power through as many as 96 cuts per charge. A handy 3-foot extension segment gives operators the choice of either a 9-foot or 12-foot configuration. 

This sturdily built electric tree trimmer was extremely easy to use. We especially liked the angled bar and in-line motor on this smaller pole saw. The angle of the chainsaw bar allowed the chain to engage branches for level top-down cuts rather than requiring us to angle it from the side. This prevented the bar from being pinched. The in-line motor contributed to the tool’s well-balanced design, minimizing bulkiness and making it easier to handle at extended heights.

We didn’t like the wobbly joints in the pole. They didn’t cause a problem with the electrical connection, but the movement in the joints was noticeable, even when the connections were secured as tightly as possible.

Get the DeWalt pole saw at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.

Best Gas

Echo X Series PPT-2620 Power Pruner Pole Saw

Buy at The Home Depot Buy at Northen Tool+ Equipment Buy at Forestry Suppliers

What We Like

• 2-cycle engine delivers strong cutting power, minimal downtime
• 12-inch bar and chain can cut 10-inch-thick branches
• Telescoping pole extends operator reach 15 feet
• Durable, professional-grade construction for frequent extended use

What We Don’t Like

• Heavy components make operation more tiring
• Louder and higher maintenance than an electric engine

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Product Specs

• Weight: 17 pounds
• Length: 9 feet collapsed, 13 feet extended
• Bar size: 12 inches

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.3/5; Cutting Power 5/5; Reach 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.3/5

For those who need a powerful pole saw with a chainsaw equipped for frequent extended use, a gas-powered option might be the best choice. The Echo PPT-2620 is one of the best gas-powered pole saws out there thanks to its excellent combination of easy starting, powerful cutting ability, high reach, and easy adjustability.

The Echo X series pole saw comes with a telescoping pole, a 12-inch bar, and a chain to easily remove large branches up to 15 feet above ground level. It also features a lightweight, commercial-grade 25.4 cubic centimeter (cc) engine that boasts less vibration, more horsepower, and better fuel efficiency than other engines in its class. 

In our tests, the Echo pole saw started on the second pull every time. The engine ran smoothly, and the pole and cutting bar assembly felt more steady and secure than any of the other saws while in use. There was zero slippage in the telescoping pole, and the chain moved and cut very smoothly.

The included shoulder strap helped to make the weight more bearable, but there is no denying that this 17-pound pole saw required more strength and endurance on the part of the operator. We loved using this saw for big branch removal, but we were equally happy to be finished with it.

Get the Echo X Series pole saw at The Home Depot, Northern Tool + Equipment, or Forestry Suppliers.

Best Manual

Fiskars Extendable Pole Saw & Pruner

Buy at The Home Depot Buy at Tractor Supply Co. Buy at Lowe's

What We Like

• Manually powered; gasoline, batteries, power cords not needed
• Lopper blade for thin branches, razor tooth for thick
• Oval-shaped pole reduces flex and slippage
• Significant cost savings compared to the other poles

What We Don’t Like

• Cuts slower than powered pole saws

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Product Specs

• Weight: 6 pounds
• Length: 7 feet collapsed, 14 feet extended
• Bar size: 15 inches

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Cutting Power 4/5; Reach 4.5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.3/5

Manual pole saws can be a great option for occasional branch removal around the yard and garden. Requiring no fuel or electricity, this one from Fiskars is lightweight, compact, affordable, and easy to use and maintain.

This saw has a built-in lopper for clean, easy removal of smaller branches up to 1⅛ inches thick and a razor-sharp 15-inch pruning saw blade that slices through limbs up to 8 inches thick. The pole extends from 7 to 14 feet long. The oval profile of the pole is designed to minimize flex, improving power transfer from the operator to the blade when sawing through high branches.

Though the market seems to have a powered tool for every possible task, sometimes that’s not necessary. We really liked the simplicity of this manually powered tool. It did the job perfectly at a much lower price than powered pole saws. The saw blade was incredibly sharp with a slight incurve to keep it in contact with the wood throughout the saw stroke. It cut branches up to 6 inches thick almost as quickly as the electric pole saws. We were able to cut through branches up to 8 inches thick and might have been able to go a bit thicker if needed, but the going was slower with these thicker branches.

We did note a bit more difficulty with higher branches, as the longer reach increased pole flex, which sucked up some of our cutting energy. The oval pole profile indeed helped minimize flex (compared to other round-profile manual pole saws we have used), but it was still an issue. And as for the saw’s durability, we liked that the blade on this saw is replaceable.

Get the Fiskars pole saw at The Home Depot, Tractor Supply Co., Lowe’s, or Amazon.

Best Light-Duty

Greenworks 40V 8” Cordless Pole Saw & Trimmer

Buy at Amazon

What We Like

• Impressive power and long runtime
• Angled bar provides leverage while cutting
• Lightweight yet strong construction minimizes user strain
• Ample reach for high branches; easy to maneuver

What We Don’t Like

• Limited to smaller branches, not heavy-duty cutting
• Small bar oil reservoir may not be ideal for some users’ preferences 
• Battery tends to stick in the housing

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Product Specs

• Weight: 9.3 pounds
• Length: 8 feet 11 inches
• Bar size: 8 inches

This Bob Vila Approved product carries our brand’s highest level of recommendation.

Bob Vila Approved recognizes the household and DIY products that impressed us most in our real-world testing and that exemplify core values of the Bob Vila brand, including craftsmanship, innovation, and value for the dollar. Winners of this designation come recommended by our professional review team and are personally approved by Bob Vila.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Cutting Power 4/5; Reach 4/5; Durability 4.5/5; Value 4.5/5

With 40V of power, the Greenworks cordless pole saw offers top-notch cutting capabilities in a convenient battery-operated saw. It’s particularly easy to handle thanks to its light weight of 9.3 pounds and the inclusion of reduced vibration technology. The cordless pole saw comes with a battery and a charger, and rather than having to deal with the pull cords on gas pole saws, this one can be started instantly with a simple push-button control.

Thanks to its generous pole length, the pole saw is great for reaching those high-up branches. Its telescoping bar extends to a nearly 9-foot working height; combined with its 8-inch cutting bar, this enables users to cut through out-of-reach branches up to about 6 inches in diameter. This pole saw is available as a stand-alone tool or as a multi-tool kit with a power hedge-trimmer attachment. The same 40V powerhead and battery run both attachments, saving space in the garage.

We liked the combination of convenience, weight, and reach that this saw offered. The 40V battery delivers plenty of power to cut through even hardened dead branches. Plus, the bar is mounted at a slight angle to the handle, making it safer and easier to cut branches in a downward direction when standing back away from the line of fall.

Read our full review: Greenworks 40V 8” Cordless Pole Saw & Trimmer

Get the Greenworks pole saw at Amazon.

Best Heavy-Duty

Milwaukee M18 Fuel 10” Pole Saw Kit With Quik-Lok

Buy at Amazon Buy at Ace Hardware Buy at The Home Depot

What We Like

• Rugged construction designed to withstand frequent use
• Suitable for branches up to 9 inches thick
• Includes 36-inch extension pole
• 18V 8Ah battery delivers ~150 cuts per charge

What We Don’t Like

• One of the most expensive battery-powered pole saws we tested

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Product Specs

• Weight: 16 pounds
• Length: 10 feet 5 inches
• Bar size: 10 inches

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Cutting Power 4.5/5; Reach 5/5; Durability 4.5/5; Value 4.5/5

Whether you’re a professional landscaper or a large property owner with heavy tree cover, a heavy-duty battery-powered pole saw might be the upgrade you need. Milwaukee’s M18 battery-powered pole saw delivers ample cutting power while reducing noise, fuel consumption, and emissions. 

The Milwaukee pole saw kit features a brushless power head, a 10-inch pole saw cutting head attachment, and a 36-inch extension pole. It also includes an 18V 8Ah battery that can make up to 150 cuts per charge. When assembled, the saw weighs 16 pounds, making it the second heaviest saw in our test group, behind only the gas-powered saw. The included shoulder strap helps distribute the weight and improve control. The kit also includes a rapid battery charger that replenishes the battery in just under 2 hours.

In our tests, the Milwaukee pole saw performed a half-step behind the gas-powered Echo X Series saw, but it was way ahead of the other battery-powered options. It cut through 6-inch branches super fast and easily powered through larger branches up to 8 inches. Chain acceleration was immediate and the cuts were clean. The pole was also the most secure of any multisection pole we tested, even with the slightly heavier cutting head at the top. But this hard-working performance comes at a steeper price that only the most frequent users might be able to justify.

Get the Milwaukee pole saw at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or The Home Depot (extension pole not included).

Best Attachment-Capable

Husqvarna 330iK Combi Switch + Pole Saw

Buy at Amazon Buy at Tractor Supply Co.

What We Like

• Trims 8-inch-thick branches, 12 feet high
• Premium Husqvarna X-Cut saw chain; fast, smooth cuts
• 36V powerhead also fits multiple attachments
• Powerhead attachments can be interchanged quickly and easily

What We Don’t Like

• Optional 36-inch extension pole not included with purchase

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Product Specs

• Weight: 13 pounds
• Length: 7 feet 9 inches
• Bar size: 12 inches

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Cutting Power 4.8/5; Reach 4.5/5; Durability 4.5/5; Value 5/5

Attachment-capable powerheads save space and cut costs, making them ideal for residential properties. The Husqvarna 330iK Combi Switch is one of the best such tools we’ve tested. It boasts a powerful and efficient brushless motor that is powered by a long-lasting 36V 4Ah rechargeable battery. We tested it with the 10-inch pole saw attachment.

When assembled, the Combi Switch powerhead and rigid pole saw attachment measure just over 8 feet overall, giving the user a reach of approximately 12 feet. At 13 pounds, it was one of the heavier saws we tested, but it was easily manageable thanks to the support of the included shoulder strap. The attachment was well secured, making the pole rigid enough for secure blade placement and cutting leverage. 

The standout characteristic of this saw was its buttery-smooth cutting action. Compared to the less expensive pole saws we tested, Husqvarna’s proprietary saw chain made faster, cleaner cuts with less vibration. This made for a much more comfortable and satisfying work experience.

If anything was lacking in this tool, it was the reach of the pole. The height was pretty good for most basic tree and shrub care, but this saw could have given the heavy-duty Milwaukee model a run for its money had it come with the optional extension pole. 

Get the Husqvarna pole saw at Amazon or Tractor Supply Co.

Best Combo

Ryobi 40V Pole Saw & Hedge Trimmer Combo Kit

Buy at The Home Depot

What We Like

• Budget-friendly price for a highly capable set
• Comparable power to gas engine; quieter and cleaner
• Quick, easy connection system simplifies switching between attachments

What We Don’t Like

• Greater handle vibration than other models we tested

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Product Specs

• Weight: 14 pounds
• Length: 9 feet
• Bar size: 10 inches

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Cutting Power 4.5/5; Reach 4/5; Durability 4.5/5; Value 4.5/5

If you need an affordable startup kit for general landscape maintenance, a powerhead and multi-attachment tool combo might make sense. The Ryobi 40V pole saw and hedge trimmer combo kit is ideal for general tree and shrub maintenance, and it won’t break the bank. The kit includes Ryobi’s Expand-It 40V powerhead, a 10-inch cordless pole saw attachment, and an 18-inch pole hedge trimmer attachment, along with the 40V 2Ah battery and charger.

The pole saw setup offers a pretty good reach. The 9-foot overall length allows most users to reach branches 12 feet above ground. At about 14 pounds, it’s a little heavier than most of the other light-duty saws in the group. Possibly the best attribute of this pole saw is its strong cutting power, which had no trouble slicing through limbs up to 9 inches thick. It’s also priced lower than several of the other stand-alone pole saws.

On the downside, this tool felt a bit less refined than most of the others in the group. The handle vibrated a lot, making it less comfortable to operate. It was also the loudest electric pole saw of the group. The hedge trimmer worked similarly, with excellent cutting force but lots of noise and vibration. The low cost still makes it a good option, but it is probably best for infrequent or short-duration use.

Get the Ryobi pole saw at The Home Depot.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Tested the Best Pole Saws

We used the pole saws highlighted in this guide to remove dead limbs and trim branches that encroached on a backyard lawn. The area included a mix of green hardwoods and evergreens, as well as hardened dead branches. We did our best to push each tool to its operable limits in terms of working height, difficulty of reach or angle, and branch thickness.

To evaluate each tool, we considered the purported capabilities provided by the brand’s marketing materials and compared them with the tool’s actual performance. We assumed that most readers would not require an expensive pro-quality tool for daily use but would still be interested in dependable equipment capable of occasional long workdays. Therefore, in selecting our top picks, we prioritized a combination of functionality, durability, and value.

What to Consider When Choosing a Pole Saw

Not all pole saws are created equal. Some are geared toward DIYers, while others are better suited for professionals. Consider the following factors when shopping.

Types of Pole Saws

Pole saw power options include corded electric, battery-operated, and gas-powered. Not only does the type of power affect the cost of the saw, but it also factors into its intended use. Familiarize yourself with these three types of pole saws to find the right one for your landscaping needs.

Corded Electric

Corded electric pole saws are an affordable option for users with small yards. But since these saws must connect to a power outlet, users are restricted in how far they can trim; to extend their range, users must rely on extension cords. Electric pole saws are quieter than gas-powered pole saws, but don’t expect silent operation—all pole saws make noise. 

Electric pole saws aren’t as powerful as gas-powered models. The power they produce is measured in amperes (amps), and most range from 6 to 10 amps, which is powerful enough to cut branches from 2 to 5 inches in diameter.

Battery-Operated

Cordless pole saws are powered by rechargeable batteries. They’re a good choice for users who don’t want to be restricted by the length of an extension cord while working on large or midsize yards. These pole saws are ideal for branches 3 to 8 inches in diameter and are quieter than their gas-powered counterparts. 

The power capability of a cordless pole saw is indicated by volts, which is a reflection of the battery’s electrical potential. Cordless pole saw batteries typically range from 40V to 80V. The higher the voltage, the more powerful the saw. Battery-operated pole saws are typically more expensive than their corded counterparts.

Gas-Powered

If there are many trees to trim and you don’t mind the noise, a gas-powered pole saw is a great option. Gas pole saws are measured by engine size in cubic centimeters and range from 20cc to 40cc. The larger the engine, the more powerful the saw. 

Professionals often use commercial-grade gas-powered pole saws because they can operate for hours and cut through thick branches, though extra-thick branches larger than 12 inches in diameter are usually cut with heavy-duty chainsaws. 

The increased power of a gas pole saw comes with a higher price and more maintenance requirements. Unlike electrical pole saws, gas-powered saws require oil changes and fuel tank refills.

Cutting Bar Length

The cutting bar on a pole saw determines the maximum branch diameter that can be cut. Bar lengths range from 6 to 12 inches, with 8 inches being the most common. Gas-powered pole saws feature the longest cutting bars (usually between 10 and 12 inches), which is one reason they’re better equipped for tougher jobs.

The standard rule of thumb is that the cutting bar should be at least 2 inches longer than the diameter of the branch. For example, an 8-inch bar is needed to cut a branch 6 inches in diameter.

Working Height

A pole saw’s “working height” often appears on the packaging but doesn’t indicate the actual length of the pole; rather, it refers to the length of the pole plus an arm length. Manufacturers typically estimate 2 to 3 feet for arm length, so if the pole saw claims to have a 10-foot working height, the pole saw will likely measure 7 to 8 feet long from end to tip.

Most pole saws max out at a 10-foot to 12-foot working height; at greater heights, long pole saws can become difficult to control safely, especially in windy conditions. Many models include telescoping poles that allow length adjustment. A telescoping pole makes it easier to quickly switch between trimming the hedge at ground level and cutting a tree branch 6 feet overhead.

Runtime

Both cordless and gas pole saws rely on fuel that drains while the tool is running. Gas pole saws eventually need to have the gas tank refilled when they run out. Typical runtime per tank ranges from 2 to 4 hours. However, when there is spare gas available nearby, refilling the gas tank doesn’t take long.

Cordless pole saws operate on batteries that typically have a runtime between 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the power output and the specific battery. Once the battery runs out, it typically takes about an hour to recharge. It’s a good idea to have a spare battery so that one can always be ready to use.

Weight

It’s important to remember that these tools aren’t supported by anything except the user, so the entire weight of the tool needs to be properly held, balanced, and controlled, even when a telescoping pole is at its full length. If that isn’t possible for the specific user, then the tool is too heavy.

Gas pole saws have powerful engines, but the increased power also adds weight. Due to the heavy motors, they typically weigh between 20 and 25 pounds. Cordless pole saws weigh less than gas pole saws, but they can still weigh about 15 to 20 pounds. 

The lightest option for a pole saw is a corded electric model. They don’t require a battery nor the components needed to equip and transfer battery power to a motor, so electric pole saws usually weigh less than 15 pounds. 

Safety

Safety is of the utmost importance when operating a powerful cutting tool like a pole saw. Take some time to look through the manual to learn how to adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations for use. Also, keep in mind that while the pole saw may feel comfortable when used at ground level on a hedge, once the pole is extended, the tool becomes more difficult to hold, maneuver, and control.

Look for pole saws that are equipped with easy-to-grip handles and telescoping poles for better control over the saw. If the current height is too difficult to manage, a telescoping pole can be shortened to help the user regain control. Saw guards are also helpful in protecting the user (as well as the saw blade) when the pole saw isn’t in use. 

Additional Features

Manufacturers continually strive to make pole saws more comfortable and easier to operate. Some saws have anti-vibration features and nonslip grips, and many come with a self-oiling chain. If the chain is not self-oiling, the user will have to oil it by hand, a process that should be detailed in the owner’s manual.

Some pole saws feature a cutting head that can be detached from the end of the pole for use as a handheld chainsaw. This can be helpful if you want to cut a branch into smaller pieces after felling it for firewood.

FAQs

Pole saws are potentially dangerous tools that should be used only by those who are confident in operating them and who have taken proper safety precautions, like wearing personal protective equipment. To learn more about how these tools can be used, take a look at the answers to commonly asked questions below.

Q. Can you use a pole saw as a chainsaw?

A pole saw is intended to cut difficult-to-reach branches, allowing the user to trim trees, hedges, and other foliage. While the saw effectively cuts through wood, it’s not large enough to fully replace a chainsaw. A chainsaw has the power and size to cut through the trunk of a tree, while a pole saw is best used for tree trimming. 

Q. Can you trim hedges with a pole saw?

These versatile tools can help users control the size of large hedges by removing thick branches. However, a pole saw cannot replace hedge-trimming shears, which are used to trim thin branch tips. 

Q. How big of a limb can I cut with a pole saw?

Depending on the size of the saw and the power potential of the tool, pole saws can be used to cut branches from 1 to 9 inches in size. The maximum branch thickness for a pole chainsaw is typically 1 to 2 inches less than the bar length.

Q. Can a pole saw get wet?

While most pole saws have some resistance to water, it isn’t a good idea to get the pole saw wet because the water can damage the electric components of the tool or cause rusting and corrosion on the saw. There is no harm in using a pole saw to cut through wet wood—just make sure to properly clean the saw after use so that moisture doesn’t cling to the metal and cause rusting.

Q. Is it safe to use a pole saw on a ladder?

A pole saw should never be used while standing on a ladder.

Q. How long does a pole saw chain last?

The lifespan of a pole saw chain can vary greatly depending on a few factors—namely, how frequently you use it and how well you care for it. If you maintain it well, it can last a handful of years of semi-frequent use. If, on the other hand, you neglect it, it might only last a few months. 

Q. What kind of maintenance do I need to do on my pole saw?

Care for the chain and replace when needed, clean the unit after use, make sure it’s oiled, store it properly, and keep an eye out for damage to catch it early. Neglect can be as overt as storing the pole saw outdoors in the rain where it will rust and corrode, or as simple as running it while short on bar oil or never bothering to sharpen the chain.

Meet the Tester

Mark Wolfe is a writer and product tester with a background in the nursery and landscaping industry. For more than 20 years he mowed, edged, planted, pruned, cultivated, irrigated, and renovated beautiful landscapes. Now he tests and writes reviews about the latest outdoor power equipment, hand tools, lawn care products, and other outdoor-living goods.

Additional research provided by Glenda Taylor and Timothy Dale.

 

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