When it comes to caring for the trees on your property, pruning branches is one of those tasks that can be incredibly challenging to safely tackle without enlisting a professional—that is, unless you own a pole saw. Pole saws basically consist of small, powerful chainsaw permanently attached to the end of an extending pole, enabling you to safely trim high or hard-to-reach branches without having to carry a chainsaw up a ladder.
Pole saws are available at a wide range of price points, sizes and features, so a little background information can go a long way in helping you choose the best model for your needs. Keep reading for a buyer’s guide and a review of five of the best pole saws for residential use.
Best Pole Saw Buyer’s Guide: Factors to Consider
You have multiple options to choose from when buying a pole saw, so finding the right choice to fit your needs involves weighing a number of factors.
Safety
While pole saws are considerably safer than scaling a stepladder with a chainsaw, the best models incorporate additional features to ensure safe operation in varying conditions, including emergency stop buttons, automated safety controls and enhanced grips.
The design of the pole’s extension should also be considered, as some designs are more likely to collapse while the saw is in use and cause severe injury.
Power Source
Pole saws typically use one of three power sources: gas, electric (corded) and battery (cordless). Your choice here is largely a matter of preference, although each type has its advantages and disadvantages. Gas-powered models generally provide the strongest cutting power and can be used in inclement weather, but they are also louder than other models and produce unpleasant fumes.
Electric saws are cleaner and quieter, but their range is limited by the length of the cord, and they can’t be used in wet weather due to the risk of electric shock. Battery-powered models give you unlimited range, but if you have a large job to tackle, you could have to stop mid-session to recharge the battery, which can be inconvenient.
Weight
Weight is a critical factor in choosing a pole saw, since you’ll need to be able to hold and control the saw overhead for extended periods of time, which can cause considerable fatigue. If a saw is too heavy, you’ll have to take frequent breaks or you may end up being unable to cut with the precision you desire.
Electric and battery-powered pole saws are usually lighter than gas saws, which have the added weight of onboard fuel. However, the lightest-weight saws also tend to have shorter ranges, meaning you may still have to get on a ladder to finish the job. Look for a model that balances range with weight to meet your needs.
Bar Length
Bar length describes the cutting length of the saw component of the tool and influences its cutting operation as well as the height it can reach in combination with the pole length. Pole saw bar lengths generally range between six and twelve inches, with eight-inch bars being the most common size in top brands.
Additional Home Improvement Resources
- Tips for Choosing the Best Garden Hoses
- 8 Crucial Lawn Mower Safety Tips and Tricks
- Above Ground Pool Maintenance: Our Top 10 Tips And Tricks
- Recommendations for Urban Gardening In 2020 and Beyond
Best Pole Saw Options: Our Top Five Picks
Greenworks 20672 Cordless Pole Saw
Designed for pruning and trimming branches up to six inches in diameter, the Greenworks 20672 cordless pole saw is a popular choice for home landscaping. The extendable pole has a range of 8.5 feet, yielding up to 15 feet total reach depending on the operator’s height.
The muscular 40-volt battery delivers plenty of power while limiting the tool’s total weight to almost a third less than its gas competitors. To activate the convenient instant electric start system, simply depress the switch lock and squeeze the trigger; letting go of the trigger will immediately halt the motor. Additional safety features include a reduced kickback bar and low kickback chain. It was a no brainer to put this at the top of the best pole saw list.
Specifications
- Pole length: 8.5 feet
- Bar length: 8 inches
- Weight: 15.3 pounds
- Power source: 40V lithium-ion battery
- Cuts per charge: 65
- Warranty: 4 years
Pros
- Lighter than comparable gas models
- Easy to assemble and disassemble
- Powerful battery with solid runtime
- Angled bar provides enhanced cutting performance
- Long warranty
Cons
- Expensive
- Battery is slow to charge
- Non-telescoping pole design
Check The Latest Price See Full Review
Sun Joe SWJ800E Telescoping Electric Pole Chain Saw
This light-duty pole saw is designed to handle most residential landscaping needs, with sufficient power to slice through branches as thick as 7.5 inches on a variety of trees, including palm, oak and crepe myrtle, as well as thick underbrush and shrubbery.
Starting the Sun Joe SWJ800E is as simple as pressing the safety switch and pulling the trigger. Its telescopic pole extends from 5.6 feet to 8.7 feet, for a maximum reach of about 15 feet. The comfortable foam grip is easy to hold and minimizes vibrations to reduce fatigue. The inclusion of an adjustable chain tension screw allows for simple tweaks to the chain’s performance without total disassembly of the tool.
The Sun Joe relies on electric power, so you’ll need an extension cord with an appropriate rating to operate it safely. If you plan to use the saw in tandem with a generator, it will need to provide at least 780 running watts and roughly twice that amount in surge watts to start and run the Sun Joe. Integrated safety features include a low kickback chain, safety lock switch and bumper spikes for cutting stability.
Specifications
- Pole length: 8.7 feet
- Bar length: 8 inches
- Weight: 7.7 pounds
- Power source: Electric
- Warranty: 2 years
Pros
- Telescoping design
- Automatic lubrication system
- Shock-absorbing grip
- Powerful motor
- Low maintenance
- Very lightweight
Cons
- Loud
- Relatively short warranty
Check The Latest Price See Full Review
WORX WG309 Electric Pole Saw & Chainsaw
While its 10-foot total reach doesn’t quite match most of its competitors, the WORX WG309 electric pole saw makes up for the deficit with a powerful and reliable electric engine and lightweight ergonomic design. It also offers extra versatility with a detachable pole that allows for the 10-inch saw to be used alone as a traditional chainsaw.
A patented auto-tension system helps to extend bar and chain longevity, while the automatic oil pump and gauge simplify maintenance and operation.
Specifications
- Pole length: 8 feet
- Bar length: 10 inches
- Weight: 10 pounds
- Power source: Electric
- Warranty: 3 years
Pros
- Versatile design can be used as a chainsaw or a pole saw
- Quiet operation
- More powerful than comparable cordless saws
- Affordable price
Cons
- Chain requires frequent tightening
- Somewhat heavy
Check The Latest Price See Full Review
BLACK+DECKER LPP120 Cordless Pole Saw
For a cordless pole saw, the BLACK+DECKER LPP120 is surprisingly powerful, cutting through six-inch limbs with ease and even tackling the occasional seven- or eight-inch branch with little trouble. Its powerful 20-volt battery keeps running strong for approximately 100 cuts before needing a recharge.
With a maximum pole extension of 10 feet, the LPP120 can reach branches as high as 14 to 15 feet. The rubber-coated comfort-grip handle is easy to hold and maneuver. Its hollow fiberglass body minimizes the overall weight for reduced fatigue, and weight is evenly distributed at both ends to improve control and cutting performance. This easily made our list of the best pole saw choices.
Specifications
- Pole length: 10 feet
- Bar length: 8 inches
- Weight: 6.3 pounds
- Power source: 20V lithium-ion battery
- Cuts per charge: 100
- Warranty: 2 years
Pros
- Easy to disassemble for compact storage
- Long battery life
- Very lightweight
- Affordable price
Cons
- Requires manual lubrication of bar and chain
- Relatively short warranty
- Non-telescopic pole
Check The Latest Price See Full Review
Ryobi One+ 20672 Cordless Pole Saw
Thanks to its lightweight design and compact saw head, the Ryobi One+ cordless pole saw is easy to maneuver, even with one hand, so you can safely use it overhead or in conjunction with a ladder. With two pole lengths—6.5 feet and 9.5 feet—it provides a relatively solid range, and the 8-inch bar smoothly trims limbs of up to six inches in diameter. The angled cutting head is great for getting into tight spaces and making precise cuts.
The automatic lubrication system simplifies maintenance, and a clear-view fluid window lets you keep an eye on oil levels to keep the unit running flawlessly. The Ryobi pole saw uses the same quick-charging 18-volt lithium-ion battery as more than 125 of the brand’s other power tools, so it can be used interchangeably with other Ryobi models you may own.
Specifications
- Pole length: 9.5 feet
- Bar length: 8 inches
- Weight: 7.4 pounds
- Power source: 18V lithium-ion battery
- Warranty: 3 years
Pros
- Automatic lubrication system reduces maintenance and improves longevity
- Battery is interchangeable with other Ryobi tools and fully charges in 30 minutes
- Features a pole-mount shoulder strap for added support and maneuverability
- Affordable price
Cons
- Battery and charger sold separately
Check The Latest Price See Full Review
Final Thoughts on the Best Pole Saw
While the best pole saw options can be incredibly useful for landscaping and trimming work, they can also be challenging for beginners to maneuver, especially for long periods of time.
Consistent use will familiarize you with their operation, and before long, you’ll be lopping off branches with ease. Just remember to engage all onboard safety features and take breaks before you start to feel fatigued to prevent injury or damage to your saw. This has been our complete guide to finding the best pole saw for your needs in 2021.