The 7 Best Pole Saws To Trim Trees (Updated 2023)

Trees are great. Both for us and for the environment. Unfortunately, they also present potential hazards if not limbed and trimmed regularly.

Falling tree branches and limbs cause more accidents than most people believe, and it’s not like their only risk is falling on someone. Uncontrollable branches can also cause thousands of dollars in damage to property. Not to mention, they can also cause street-wide power outages if they caught in wires.

What’s even worse is that falling tree limbs can happen at any given time.

This is why it’s important to trim trees regularly, and if you think that the only way to do it is to go climb up there with a ladder and a chain saw, then you’re dead wrong.

Pole saws are an excellent middle ground that lets you cut tree limbs and branches safely from the ground. However, choosing the best pole saws isn’t easy, especially if it’s the first time that you’ve heard of such the tool.

With that said, we’ve decided to round up some of the best pole saws on the market.

 

1. Greenworks Pro 80V 10-Inch Brushless Cordless Polesaw

Most cordless pole saws just aren’t up there yet when it comes to power and convenience. They either lack in power or lack battery life. But, the Greenworks Pro 80V 10-inch Brushless Cordless Pole Saw is not like any other pole saw out there.

Easy to handle at just 12.8 pounds, this pole saw also comes equipped with a reduced vibrational technology that makes using it easy despite having 80 volts of power at its disposal. In addition to this, it can reach up to 10 feet high, and speaking of battery life, it can run for around two hours on battery power alone.

Given that, this pole saw is arguably the best DIY tree-trimming tool out there on the market.

Because, seriously, if you can’t finish trimming or cutting branches and limbs in two hours, then you might just want to consider hiring a professional anyway since it’s no longer worth your time and/or effort.

Pros:

• 2AH battery is good for two hours of use

• Lightweight

• Reduced vibration technology

Cons:

• Replacement chain unavailable for sale on its own

 

2. Sun Joe SWJ800E

Who says that you can’t have the best pole saws for the price of a sturdy ladder?

While the Sun Joe SWJ800E is definitely not cheap, it’s definitely one of the more affordable pole saws out there, and for its price, it’s quite a steal of a deal.

The SWJ800E comes equipped with a 6.5-amp motor, as well as an 8-inch Oregon cutting bar and chain, which, in combination, allows it to cut through anything that’s less than 7.5-inches thick.

The telescopic pole is not the longest, but 8.7 feet is not half-bad either.

As an added bonus, you won’t need to worry about oiling the SWJ800E. It comes with an automatic chain lubrication system. This means that the chain stays lubricated at all times. It even has a built-in safety switch, preventing you (or kid) from starting the pole saw by accident and possibly causing injury.

The SWJ800E might not be the best of the best pole saws, but it certainly carries a ton of value at its price point.

Pros:

• Built-in safety switch

• Automatic chain lubrication system

• Affordable

• User-friendly

Cons:

• A bit too heavy at the cutting end

 

3. VonHaus 40V Max 8″ Cordless Pole Saw

The VonHaus 40V Max 8-inch Cordless Pole Saw is a powerful cordless pole saw that’s an excellent alternative for people who can’t afford the other more expensive pole saws on our list. But, don’t let the lower asking price fool you as this cordless pole saw comes packed with a lot of features, including a 4Ah battery charger for its 40 Volt lithium-ion battery that guarantees hours of use before needing a re-charge.

With a working height between 15 to 18 feet (the 8-inch cutting bar is supplemented by the extendable telescopic pole that can reach up to 10 feet in length), you can use this pole saw to cut limbs that would otherwise be out of reach for other pole saws.

Pros:

• Maximum comfortability with shoulder strap and foam grip handle

• Comes equipped with a 2-stage safety trigger

• Automatic oiler

Cons:

• Uncomfortably heavy when extended

 

4. WORX WG349 20V Pole Saw

Manoeuvrable, easy to use, and battery-powered, the WORX WG349 20V Pole Saw checks all of the right boxes and raises very few red flags, if any at all.

While this isn’t the pole saw that you’ll need if you trim trees for a living, it is the ideal pole saw for homeowners who need an electric pole saw to help them trim branches no larger than five inches in diameter.

True to its residential use, this pole saw can only be extended up to 10 feet using the detachable pole.

If it’s any consolation though, you can use this pole saw as a traditional chainsaw, which is something that can’t be said for other types of pole saw. It also comes with a hard plastic sheath for the 10-inch cutting bar and comes with a very wallet-friendly price, so, not only is it worth trying out but it also won’t cost you much to do so.

Pros:

• Budget-friendly

• Safe storage for the 10-inch cutting bar with hard plastic sheath

• Can be used as a chainsaw online

Cons:

• Not ideal for larger yards and heavy-duty works

 

5. Remington RM25PS Maverick

If you’re looking for something traditional and don’t mind spending money for it, the Remington RM25PS Maverick is easily the best pole saw when it comes to gas-powered pole saws.

The 25cc 2-cycle engine can cut through pretty much anything and everything with ease. It is this kind of power alone that makes it the ideal tool for people who do a lot of cutting work, whether it’s because of the size of their yard, or simply because they do it for a living or for some extra cash.

Not only is the RM25PS Maverick powerful, but it also comes with an effective operational length of 12 feet, with the 8-inch bar and chain mounted directly to a 7-foot extension pole.

Other bonus features include the Quick Start Technology and auto-oiling functionality.

The RM25PS is also attachment-friendly, which gives it excellent functionality befitting of its asking price.

Pros:

• Compatible with various attachments

• 25cc 2-cycle engine packs a lot of power

• Quick Start Technology

Cons:

• Expensive

 

6. Remington RM1035P Ranger II Pole Saw

You won’t always need a pole saw. Sometimes, you’ll prefer a handy chainsaw.

Unfortunately, when you buy a conventional pole saw, you’ll be forced to get another chainsaw for close-up work. However, with the Remington RM1035P Ranger II Pole Saw, you get both.

If you need to trim branches and hedges, you can use the pole and use it as it should be. It comes with a 10-foot reach so you can reach up higher places without ever needing to get up on a stepladder. But, in case you need to get up close and personal, it can also be used as a chainsaw.

Using anti-rotation and non-slip materials for added durability and safety, this pole saw is one of the most convenient and safest pole saws to use on our list.

As an added bonus, you get a branch hook for clearing large patches of branches with ease.

Pros:

• User-friendly

• Designed for convenience and safety

• Can be used as a conventional chainsaw

Cons:

• Heavy

 

7. Black+Decker 20V LPP120B Pole Saw

Economical and reliable cordless tree cutters are hard to come by, which is exactly why the Black+Decker 20V LPP120B Pole Saw makes it to our list.

Coming at a relatively affordable price point, the LPP120B might not be as powerful with only 20 volts at its disposal, but the 10-foot extendable 8-inch cutting bar and lightweight design is more than enough to help mitigate this “lack” of power.

Weighing just 6.3 pounds and easy to disassemble, the LPP120B is lightweight to use and even more lightweight to transport and/or store.

Lastly, by buying the LPP120B, you get a product that’s also part of the Black+Decker 20 Volt Max lithium-ion cordless tools line.

Pros:

• The battery pack is compatible with Black+Decker 20 Volt Max lithium-ion cordless tools

• Extremely lightweight

• Can be broken into three separate parts with ease for easier transportation

Cons:

• Needs to be oiled manually

 

Why You Should Buy a Pole Saw

Pole saws are great, but not everyone needs them. On the other hand, nearly everyone could use one.

Why? Because most people have tall shrubs and/or trees on their property.

Homeowners, in particular, will benefit from the convenience that pole saws add to completing pruning work that would normally require two tools: a sturdy step ladder and a reliable chainsaw.

In addition to letting you reach out to higher shrubs and branches, you can also use pole saws to trim objects outside of your fences, especially if they’re currently encroaching on your property.

Speaking of use, some pole saws, including a couple on our list of recommendations, can be broken up so you can use only the chainsaw part.

What this means is that you’re essentially getting two separate tools for one price.

Either way, a good way to know if you need a pole saw is to take a look around and see if you have trees on your property.

If you do, then don’t wait for an untimely accident to cause broken or rotten branches to fall.

 

How to Use a Pole Saw Safely

1. Clear your working area

When cutting branches and wedges, always make sure that the area is free from anything you can trip from or people or pets that might get hurt from potential falling hazards.

2. Start from the ground up

Working your way from the lower branches is a more effective and safer approach.

The main reason for this is, once you’ve cut the lower branches down, you’ll be able to see the higher branches more clearly and be able to make cuts more easily.

3. Pick a safe spot

You don’t want to be moving around too much when cutting, but you don’t want to be staying still in one place either.

Although it usually comes with experience, you’ll need to try and guess as accurately as possible where the branches will land and try to position yourself close to where it’s going to fall but not directly under it.

4. Practice proper holding position

Hold the end of the pole saw at a chest level and never adjust your body to match the cutting length.

If you have to reach for the higher branches, adjust the pole saw length. If it can’t reach it, then don’t tip toe. Instead, climb up a step ladder, but this is something that we only recommend if you’ve done it before.

5. Make slow and steady cuts

Cutting slowly minimizes the chances of your blade slipping and potentially causing you or others around you injury.

6. Clean as you go

Trip hazards are dangerous. This is why you should clean your working area as you move.

The last thing that you want happening is you tripping from one of the branches that you just cut off.

7. Know when a professional is needed

It’s great that you want to do these kinds of things yourself, but sometimes, some things are just best left to the pros.

Cutting, trimming, and pruning might all sound like easy things to do, but they’re not. Even with the right tools, your inexperience can make it difficult for you to do it right. This is especially true if thicker tree branches and wedges are involved.

As a good rule of thumb, a good time to call professional services is if the branches and wedges are thicker than 8 inches.

You’ll also want to call on professionals if your pole saw can’t reach the higher branches.

While it’s true that we did suggest using a step ladder for added reach, it’s not something that we’d recommend, even for those who’ve had significant previous experience with cutting tree branches and wedges.

 

Final Thoughts

Every pole saw is different. Not only in terms of features but also in price and how easy they are to use, as well as how much better-suited they are for particular tasks compared to others.

Rest assured that we took these into consideration with our list.

In doing so, we guarantee that, by choosing any one of our recommendations, you’ll feel good knowing that you’ve invested your money in one of the best pole saws available on the market today.

 

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