The Best Pole Saws For Trimming and Pruning Tall Trees, Tested
Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about The Best Pole Saws For Trimming and Pruning Tall Trees, Tested and hope the blog can help you.
Trim and prune the trees on your property safely and efficiently with a high-quality pole saw that best suits your needs.
In order to stay healthy and look their best, trees need occasional pruning, and perhaps the best way to tackle this project is with a pole saw. Pruning involves removing broken branches and thinning out dense limbs, and without the right tool, this can be a challenge. 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 you need.
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. Keep reading to learn what’s most important to consider when selecting a trimming tool for your la`ndscaping needs and to find out why we selected the following models as the best pole saws after performing our backyard tests.
- BEST OVERALL: Echo eForce DPPF-2100 56V Power Pruner
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Worx WG349 20V 8” Power Share Pole Saw
- BEST BATTERY-POWERED: DeWalt 20V MAX XR Cordless Pole Saw Kit
- BEST ELECTRIC: Sun Joe 6.5-Amp 8” Telescoping Electric Pole Saw
- BEST GAS: Echo X Series PPT-2620 Power Pruner Pole Saw
- BEST MANUAL: Fiskars Extendable Pole Saw & Pruner
- BEST LIGHT-DUTY: Greenworks 40V 8” Cordless Pole Saw & Trimmer
- BEST HEAVY-DUTY: Milwaukee M18 Fuel 10” Pole Saw Kit With Quik-Lok
- BEST ATTACHMENT-CAPABLE: Husqvarna 330iK Combi Switch + Pole Saw
- BEST COMBO: Ryobi 40V Pole Saw & Hedge Trimmer Combo Kit
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 that 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.
Testing Stats
- Products tested: 12
- Hours spent testing: 15
- Tests performed: 4
- Average price: $331.21
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. We hope you find this guide helpful as you choose the best pole saw to maintain the trees and hedges in your yard.
Best Overall
Echo eForce DPPF-2100 56V Power Pruner
Photo: homedepot.com
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Cutting Power 5/5; Reach 4.5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.25/5
Product Specs
- Weight: 12 pounds
- Length: 8 feet
- Bar size: 10 inches
What We Like
- Powerful motor and 10-inch bar efficiently cut through branches up to 8 inches thick
- Rigid pole for better control; provides enough reach to remove branches up to 12 feet high
- Kit includes battery and charger, as well as a shoulder strap to reduce operator fatigue
- Features a 2-speed motor and the best weight-to-power ratio of all saws in our test group
What We Don’t Like
- More expensive than the other battery-powered saws we tested
- Shorter reach than some of the other saws; extension pole sold separately
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.
The eForce is a versatile pole saw, suitable for everything from cultivating a backyard orchard to performing regular maintenance on a yard surrounded by encroaching trees. We cut more than 50 branches between 4 and 6 inches thick during testing, and the battery still showed a 50 percent charge afterward. 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.
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
Photo: amazon.com
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Cutting Power 4/5; Reach 4.5/5; Durability 4/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Weight: 8 pounds
- Length: 9 feet 4 inches
- Bar size: 8 inches
What We Like
- Lightweight but powerful; suitable for light- to heavy-duty use
- Comfortable to work with; doesn’t tend to cause strain to the user
- 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 similar pole saws available
- Small bar oil reservoir may not be suitable for some users’ preferences
- In testing, clamp didn’t perfectly secure the telescoping pole, allowing it to slip from the locked position
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.
Get the Worx pole saw at Amazon or Target.
Best Battery-Powered
DeWalt 20V MAX XR Cordless Pole Saw Kit
Photo: amazon.com
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Cutting Power 4/5; Reach 4/5; Durability 4.5/5; Value 4.25/5
Product Specs
- Weight: 9 pounds
- Length: 10 feet 3 inches
- Bar size: 8 inches
What We Like
- Included 3-foot extension lets users choose between 2 operating lengths
- Comes with a 20V XR battery that can also be used with dozens of other DeWalt tools
- Durable in-line motor delivers outstanding cutting power in a more compact package
What We Don’t Like
- Significant play in the pole connections makes the tool feel less steady
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 saw 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 Electric
Sun Joe 6.5-Amp 8” Telescoping Electric Pole Saw
Photo: amazon.com
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Cutting Power 4.5/5; Reach 4/5; Durability 4/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Weight: 7 pounds
- Length: 8 feet 8 inches
- Bar size: 8 inches
What We Like
- Plug-and-play convenience for quick, easy use
- High-quality bar and chain sourced from the renowned Oregon brand offers long-term durability
- Comfortable for occasional extended use during DIY projects
What We Don’t Like
- Only for use on smaller branches
- Fixed straight bar does not cut directly downward
- Small bar oil reservoir may not meet some users’ needs
Weighing just 7 pounds, Sun Joe’s lightweight corded electric pole saw is a great option if the pole saw needs to be used infrequently but for extended times. You won’t need to wait for a battery to recharge, nor will you have to make a trip to the gas station for fuel, as this corded electric tool can run as long as there is an active electrical connection. However, movement is limited by the length of the extension cord, so it’s a good idea to invest in a cord that can reach any trees or hedges in the yard.
This pole saw has a telescoping pole that can extend more than 8 feet, giving the user an impressive maximum working height. With the 8-inch cutting bar length, it can cut through branches up to 7.5 inches thick, and the pole saw automatically lubricates itself to help keep the saw blade in good working order.
We liked the plug-and-play convenience, particularly not having to worry about mixing fuel or charging a battery. This saw is lightweight and well balanced, yet it offers enough power to cut through branches of small to medium thickness. It’s a practical and budget-friendly choice for occasional use.
Get the Sun Joe electric saw at Amazon or Target.
Best Gas
Echo X Series PPT-2620 Power Pruner Pole Saw
Photo: homedepot.com
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.3/5; Cutting Power 5/5; Reach 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.3/5
Product Specs
- Weight: 17 pounds
- Length: 9 feet collapsed, 13 feet extended
- Bar size: 12 inches
What We Like
- 2-cycle engine drives stronger cutting power with almost no downtime
- 12-inch bar and chain can cut through branches up to 10 inches thick
- Telescoping pole lets the operator reach branches up to 15 feet from the ground
- Professional-grade pole saw is durably constructed for frequent extended use
What We Don’t Like
- Heavy components make this saw more physically demanding to operate
- Gas engine requires more maintenance and makes more noise than electric
For those who need a powerful pole chainsaw 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
Photo: amazon.com
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Cutting Power 4/5; Reach 4.5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.3/5
Product Specs
- Weight: 6 pounds
- Length: 7 feet collapsed, 14 feet extended
- Bar size: 15 inches
What We Like
- Manually powered pole saw eliminates the need for gasoline, batteries, and power cords
- Includes a lopper blade for thin branches and a razor tooth blade for thicker ones
- Telescoping pole has an oval-shaped profile that reduces flex and slippage
- Significant cost savings compared to any other type of pole saw