Taking good care of your trees is vital if you want to keep them healthy and attractive. And pruning them is one of the most important things that you need to do.

While a regular pruning saw might be enough to cut the low hanging branches, the majority of the tree limbs and branches that need pruning are often beyond your reach, and so what you need is a pole saw.

Pole saws provide the extended reach you need to get to the high branches and cut them fast and more efficiently.

With a pole saw, you will also not have to incur the cost of hiring someone to cut down the branches and tree limbs for you. And so it will also save you some money.

However, all this is only true if you get the best from the many options in the market from different brands.

Our pole saw reviews below and buying guide will make it easy for you to pick the best pole saw whether you want something for professional or home use.

Editor's Rating: (4.4 / 5)

If you prefer the convenient and continuous operation of the corded pole saws, here is a cheap option for you. It is the cheapest electric pole saw on our list, but it still provides an overhead reach of up to 15 feet thanks to the 8.7-foot telescoping pole.

Starting it up is as simple as pushing one button, and so it should be quick and easy even for those without prior experience with corded pole saws.

And besides from the quick start-up, this pole saw also has a built-in safety switch that helps to prevent accidental startups, and hence making this a relatively safer saw for pruning.

The pole saw runs on a 6.5-Amp motor which might not seem very powerful, but it still delivers enough power to handle most branch and tree limb pruning around the home.

It comes with an 8-inch bar and chain that delivers deep enough cuts, and an auto-oiler to keep the bar and chain automatically lubricated when in use.

And with a total weight of around 7 pounds it is lighter than most on our list and so it will also be relatively easier to handle.

Editor's Rating: (4.4 / 5)

The Sun Joe SWJ803E runs on a more powerful motor than the SWJ800E, and it also has a longer bar and chain to make it a much better option for cutting thicker branches.

Electrical power also makes this a convenient and reliable pole saw as it will never run out of charge. And you also do not have to worry about fumes and smoke, like when dealing with gas-powered pole saws like the Remington RM2599.

This corded pole saws also has an easy power-up design and you will only need to push a button to get it running. And it also has a telescoping handle that will provide an overhead reach of up to 14 feet.

However, the multi-angle adjustable head that allows you to cut at 0 to 30 degrees is what sets it apart from many others as it makes it easy to get to those hard to reach places.

And like most other high-quality corded pole saws, it also has the convenient auto bar and chain lubrication when in use.

Editor's Rating:  (4.3 / 5)

Multi-position head pole saws like the SWJ802E are handy for all your pruning needs as there is almost no tree limb or branch they cannot cut.

This pole saw runs on a 6.5-Amp motor that makes it possible to cut branches that are up to 6.5 inches thick. And it also has an oil tank capacity of 2 ounces to keep it running efficiently for long.

The multi-position head will make cuts at 0, 15 and 30 degrees which makes this pole saw quite versatile. This saw uses an 8-inch Oregon bar and chain which should be enough for most home pruning projects, and it also has a convenient and automatic lubrication.

Editor's Rating: (4 / 5)

When you need a powerful corded pole saw that can handle almost any pruning task and with a high overreach, the Remington RM1025SPS is an excellent choice for you.

It is one of the best electric pole saws out there thanks to its powerful 8-Amp motor that makes it possible to cut through branches quickly and the longer 10-inch bar and chain for simple lopping and pruning.

The Remington RM1025SPS is also a detachable pole saw that will convert into a chainsaw quickly and without the need to use any tools.

Other features like the anti-rotation pole design that keeps it stable when in use, anti-slip grip for extra comfort when handling it and flip and lock clamps also help to make this a fantastic pole saw.

Editor's Rating: (4.2 / 5)

If you prefer having a multifunctional electric pole saw, the Work WG309 can work well for you as it is a detachable type that makes it simple to convert it into a regular chainsaw for chopping fallen limbs without using any tools.

The 8-foot extension pole that comes with this saw extends the reach to 10 feet, and although it is still relatively low it should be enough for pruning around the house.

This electric pole saw also includes an auto-tensioning system which is a great feature as it will help to lengthen the life of the bar and chain. In addition to this, there is also an automatic oil pup that also has a level indicator to make this pole even easier to maintain.

You will also not have to worry about tiring your hand when using this pole saw for extended periods as it has an ergonomic comfort grip that is highly effective in minimizing hand fatigue.

Editor's Rating: (4.4 / 5)

Battery powered pole saws are always a great choice when you need something highly portable and easy to handle.

The 40 Volts Greenworks is one of the best cordless pole saws as it is not only highly efficient when it comes to pruning but also uses a long-lasting lithium-ion battery that takes a short time to charge and will provide up to 50 cuts on a single charge.

This fantastic pole saw has a 3-piece aluminum shaft that you can extend up to 8 feet. And although the maximum reach is relatively low when you compare it to others on our list, it should still be enough for light to medium pruning.

Also, like most electric pole saws on our pole saw reviews, this battery-powered unit also has an automatic oiler that will apply oil to the bar when needed to ensure optimal use and durability.

The instant electric start makes it quick and easy to start and there are minimal vibrations and noise on this pole saw for a more comfortable use.

Editor's Rating: (4.1 / 5)

If you want something for heavy-duty pruning a gas-powered machine is by far the best option. And this is more so if it is also as versatile as the Remington RM599.

The easy to use design makes this one of the best gas powered pole saws that you can get out there. Everything including the start is just straightforward thanks to the Quickstart technology that makes pull starts simple.

This pole saw entails mounting an 8-inch bar and chain on a 7-foot pole to provide a reach of up to 12 feet. And it runs on a powerful 25 cc 2-cycle engine that gives it all the necessary power to handle even the toughest pruning applications.

When it comes to versatility you will hardly find a better option than this gas pole saw as it will accept various attachments that will convert into a blower, edger and much more.

Although this gas pole saw is pricier than most others on our list, the performance, efficiency, and reliability make it worth the extra cost.

Editor's Rating: (4.4 / 5)

It is not always easy to get a battery-powered or cordless pole saw that can handle some heavy-duty work. But the Black & Decker LPP120B comes close as it can make up to 100 cuts per charge.

At a total weight of 6.3 pounds, it is significantly lighter than the other cordless pole saw, Greenworks 8-Inch 40 Volts, but the latter is more powerful. However, this Black & Decker pole saw can still saw through 6-inch branches with ease.

The in-line power head on this pole saw is also a great addition as it provides better maneuverability and visibility between the tree limbs and branches. Also, this pole saw has a useable length of between 6.5 and 10 feet and will provide 14 feet overhead reach.

And besides from the lightweight design, this pole saw will also disassemble to a compact size for easy transport between work sites.

Editor's Rating: (4.5 / 5)

This Fiskars pole saw and pruner is the most affordable item on our list, and it will be a great choice for homeowners looking for something affordable for light pruning tasks.

Although it does not have a super high reach as the Silky 179-39, it still provides a decent height of up to 14 feet which should be enough for most pruning tasks around the home.

This pole saw is also the lightest on our list, and so it should be relatively easier to handle for most people. And it also has an oval-shaped fiberglass pole that reduces flex greatly to make it even easier to control the cuts.

The secure double locking system on this manual pole saw will ensure that the extended pole remains in place when making the cut. This fantastic pole saw also comes with a full lifetime warranty to ensure you have nothing to lose when buying it.

Editor's Rating: (4.7 / 5)

Despite the Silky 179-39 being a manual pole saw, it still provides the highest maximum reach on our list as you can get up to an impressive 26 feet of reach when using it.

There are many other factors that help to cement its position ads the best pole pruner not only on our list but also in the market. And they include oval-shaped aluminum extension poles that provide precise control over the direction of the blade and the adjustable blade angle.

This manual pole saw comes with a lower sickle that provides a clean cut and will not damage the tree, and an upper sickle that prevents the blade from slipping off limbs.

The pole saw also has a pole-end shock absorber and a comfortable rubberized overgrip that combine to give you a great hold of the tool and good control.

Silky 179-39 is the priciest pole saw on our list despite being manual, but the performance, capabilities, and features that it has to offer, make it worth it. And it is will be great for both professionals landscapers and homeowners.

Pole Saw Power Source

The power source should always be the first factor to consider when shopping for the best pole saw as it will affect everything from the performance to the price.

When it comes to the pole saw power source, there are four main options to pick from which are cordless, corded, gas and manual saws.

#1. Cordless Pole Saw

Cordless pole saws are a convenient option for homeowners with a few trees on their compound. They rely on batteries for their operation and most will use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.

Lithium-ion batteries offer better charge retention than other types and optimal performance. Most pole saws with lithium-ion batteries can offer anywhere between 1 and 2 hours of nonstop pruning.

The greatest advantage of cordless pole saws is that they offer extreme mobility as you can use them anywhere since they do not require plugging in. Also, you are not exposed to the risk of getting tangled by the cord.

But, the use of batteries is also their greatest demerit as it means that they require regular charging, and hence are not ideal for continuous or heavy duty jobs and also have more downtimes.

#2. Corded Pole Saw

If you have a power outlet near the trees and have a lot of pruning to do, the corded pole saw is your best option. As long as there is an outlet nearby these pole saws can run nonstop for as long as you want.

Corded or electric pole saws are one of the most common types. Both homeowners and professionals love them because they are easier to operate, relatively affordable and also not as heavy as the other three types.

However, these pole saws also have some cons with the key among them being that you can only use them when there is a power outlet nearby. Also, the cord length tends to limit their reach and they are not as powerful as the gas-powered ones.

#3. Gas Pole Saw

When you need something powerful to handle more heavy duty use nothing beats a gas powered pole saw. It is by far the most powerful type and it is the best option when you have a lot of pruning to do.

They use gas as the source of power. And some of the best gas pole saws will produce almost as much power as the regular chainsaw.

But, like with all the other pole saw types, they also have some shortcomings. One of their main demerits is that they tend to be more expensive.

Also, the fact that the tank needs regular refilling is another significant demerit that most gas pole saws reviews will point out. And this pole saw is also heavier and louder than the other three types.

#4. Manual Pole Saw

Sometimes you might only have a few branches to prune or might not be ready to spend a lot of cash on your pole saw. When this is the case for you, a manual pole is the best option.

As their name suggests, manual pole saws are the kind that you have to manually drive the saw when pruning the branches. They literally consist of a long pole and a blade on one end.

Since they have a simple design and do not use any motor, they are the most affordable type. And most also come with longer poles which gives them greater capacity for cutting higher trees.

Their greatest disadvantage is that they take a lot of effort to use and hence are slower than the other types and will only be suitable for small projects.

Pole saws are the best option when you need to prune branches that seem impossible to reach. But, when you go out to buy one the almost countless options in the market can make things a little confusing.

But, buying a pole saw should never be a tedious task with our reviews of some of the best above to guide you and if you consider the factors below when choosing between them.

Motor Power 

Once you determine the power source that you prefer for your pole saw you still need to determine the amount of motor power you want.

While this is not relevant if you are buying the manual saw as it does not use a motor, it is a vital factor when buying the other three types.

Regardless of the type of pole saw that you choose it is important to make sure that it has sufficient power for fast and efficient pruning. And this in most instances means a power rating of at least 6.5 Amps as this can produce a speed of up to 600 RPM.

600 RPM should be enough for most pruning tasks around the home, but professionals will use pole saws with motors that can produce up to 1,000 RPM.

Pole Saw bar

As you are choosing your pole saw, you will also need to decide the maximum thickness of the branches and tree limbs that you want to cut.

What makes this is important is that it will determine the right pole saw bar to choose. If you are dealing with branches that are less than 2 inches, a battery-powered pole saw with a bar of around 6 inches or shorter will be great.

For limbs and branches that are 8 to 10 inches thick a bar of around 10 inches will be the most appropriate.

However, for most pole saws a bar of between 8 and 10 inches is always the best as it allows them to cut both softwood and hardwood with ease.

Weight

It is a hard job to stabilize the pole saw as it is essentially a chainsaw suspending on a pole. And so the heavier it is the tougher the task will be for you.

Most cordless and corded pole saws tend to be lighter than the powerful gas-powered ones, and they are what many homeowners will prefer.

However, if you want more power and efficiency you should be ready to withstand a weightier pole saw since a more powerful engine tends to be larger and heavier.

Height or Maximum Reach

The main reason why you buy a pole saw is that you want to cut branches that are beyond your reach. Hence, the maximum reachable height that it can provide is vital.

On average pole saws will provide 10 feet of reach which should be enough for most trees around the homestead.

Sometimes 10 feet is still not enough and this is why some homeowners prefer the electric pole saw types as they can provide up to 15 feet.

And if this is still not high enough for you, then a professional grade gas-powered pole saw is your best option as you can get a reach of up to 25 feet.

Handy Tips for Using a Pole Saw

• Inspect the area. Before you take your pole saw and start trimming it is always important to inspect or survey the area. Check whether there are any power lines or telecommunications cables in the area. Also, ensure there are no potential trip hazards and that the ground is not slippery.
• Check the tree condition. As you inspect for potential hazards around the tree that might cause accidents, it is also vital to make sure that you check the condition of the tree. Watch out for things like loose bark, dead branches and rotting sections as they will react differently when pruning. Depending on the condition of the tree, your pole saw can prune faster or slower and be more prone to kickbacks.
• Remember to check the condition of the saw. The condition of your pole saw also matters. And even when you are using a new one you will still need to inspect it thoroughly. Ensure that all the bolts and nuts are tight and also that the trigger mechanism is working well and the chain is not damaged at any point.
• Wear the right gear. What you wear when using a pole is vital for your safety. Although it looks like a simple task and probably is, it does not mean that you should just grab the saw and start working with just your T-shirt and pair of jeans. Instead, you should wear proper personal protective gear and this includes safety glasses, gloves, and closed-toe shoes. A dust mask, long sleeve shirt, and a hat would also be great for extra safety.
• Use both hands and feet. Both your feet and hands have a role to play when using a pole saw. Your feet should help you keep a good base by ensuring that they are planted on the ground firmly. And make sure that you never take either of the foot off the ground when using the pole saw and that both your hands always remain on the saw.

Conclusion

A pole saw is one of the vital tools that you need to take good care of those beautiful trees around your compound. And if you are a professional landscaper it is also one of your most crucial tools.

By choosing the best pole saws, you will make pruning an easy and enjoyable fall job. And with the right information, it should be easy to pick the right one from the four main types and from the many models out there.

But, if you consider factors like the weight, maximum reach, pole saw bar and motor it should be easy to pick a pole saw that will work well for you.

With our detailed buying guide above and 10 best pole saws reviews to help you out, you should have a very easy time picking a pole saw that suits your needs.