Best Pole Saw for Keeping Your Trees Trimmed and Healthy

The best pole saw acts like a convenient mix of a stepladder and a traditional chainsaw. They allow you to cut down branches and trim trees or shrubs from a good distance away. There are many models that will easily trim leaves or trees, they’re also capable of cutting away unwanted branches or twigs in hard-to-reach places. If you need to get rid of thin trees while staying a safe distance away, the best pole saw is the tool you want to have on hand. However, it can take time and consideration to figure out which is the best pole saw for you since there are so many options available. 

You have to consider the different brands, what you want to use it for, the reach you get, how durable it is, and much more when you start comparing products. Luckily, I’ve put together a list of the 10 best pole saws for you with short reviews to make comparing them easy. The short buyer’s guide at the end of this post will guide you through the buying process to help narrow down the best pole saw for your wants and needs. 

Finding the best pole saw available and tailoring your pick to your needs is one way to get a versatile piece of equipment that can help you trim up your shrubs and trees. In turn, this can make your yard look better and boost your home’s curb appeal. 

1. Remington RM1035P Ranger II Saw – Top Pick 

 

The first pole saw on the list comes from Remington, and you get a 2-in-1 power tool that is a combination of an electric chainsaw and a pole saw. This makes it a flexible choice to cut or trim your boxwood or trees to keep them looking nice, and they can help you get into awkward or tight areas without a problem. You get a powerful 8-amp electric motor on this pole saw that will drive the saw chain as you use it, and you can trim anything from thinner branches to relatively-sized tree branches without it bogging down. As a bonus when you’re standing on the ground, you can reach 10 to 15-feet high to continue your trimming routine. 

 

Additionally, this product allows you to detach the pole in a short time frame without using any specialized tools. In turn, this can save you a decent amount of time when you work to keep your projects running smoothly, especially when you need to switch from the pole saw to the chainsaw. This is a good option if you want a tool that won’t rotate when you extend the pole as it comes with flip-lock clamps. The pole is resistant to rust and corrosion because it’s made out of aluminum, and you get a comfortable non-slip grip.

 

PROS

• Non-slip grip
• Can reach 10 to 15-feet up
• Chainsaw and a pole saw 
• 80-amp motor 
• Easy to swap out tools 
• Won’t rotate when you use it 
• Flip-lock clamps 

CONS

• Not self-oiling

 

2. TrimmerPlus PS720 Pole Saw – Step-Up Pick 

 

This multipurpose garden care tool can quickly and easily convert into other tools when you connect other attachments, and this makes it a great choice if you don’t have a lot of storage room on-hand for a range of tools. It allows you to use it for a decent amount of projects around the house, and it comes with an automatic oiler that will constantly give the chain adequate oil to ensure it stays in great working shape. It eliminates friction that can heat up the chain with longer projects, and this extends the tool’s working life to make sure you get a lot of use for what you pay for it. 

 

You’ll get a two-inch height extension pole with this product that adds up to seven-feet to the total height, so the saw can reach a maximum of 12-feet when you fully extend it, depending on how tall you are. There are dual extension sections on this saw that allow you to decide how far you need to reach, and you don’t need any special tools to attach or detach it. It’s also easy to swap out extensions as you work, and you get a two-year limited warranty from the date of purchase to protect you from machine defects or part failure. 

 

PROS

• Two extension sections 
• Can add different extensions 
• Automatic oiler 
• Easy to swap out parts and extension poles
• Two-year limited warranty 
• Reputable company 
• Outfitted with a low kickback chain

CONS

• Saw cover is plastic 

3. Sun Joe SWJ800E Pole Saw – Mid-End Budget Pick

 

This pole saw is a nice pick if you’re looking for one that is powerful while fitting into a slightly tighter budget. It works well to trim the overgrown maple trees in your yard, but you can also use it on shrubs. It comes outfitted with a slightly less powerful 6.5-amp motor that powers the chain, and the chain gets fitted to an eight-inch bar. The motor can effectively drive the chain up to 6,000 RPMs, and this is more than enough power to tackle projects around the house. There is a telescoping pole feature on this product that allows you to reach heights without having to get on a ladder, and you can extend it from 8.7-feet up to 15-feet. 

 

It’s easy to tailor the height to match your specific needs, and it has an automatic oiling ability to it that will keep the chain perfectly lubricated at all times when you use it. This is much better than having to manually press a button to lubricate it. You only have to push a button to start this pole saw too, and it’s a great way to avoid the hassle that starting a gas pole saw can be. The safety switch on this product helps prevent accidental starts, so it’s great for beginners. You’ll get enough power to trim limbs that are up to 7.5-inches thick. 

PROS

• 6,000 RPMs
• Extends 15 feet up 
• Automatic chain oiler system 
• Cuts branches up to 7.5-inches thick 
• Push button start 
• Eight-inch bar
• 6.5-amp motor

CONS

• Cord length can hinder movement

4. Worx WG309 Electric Pole Saw – Bargain Budget Pick 

 

Worx’s electric pole saw works very well for smaller shrub and tree branches, and it’s a neat little tool to help you clean up errant branches to make your yard safer. If you want to work at ground level and overhead, this is a good option since it’s from a well-known brand and it has a sturdy build. You’ll get an eight-foot extension pole that allows you to reach elevated branches, and this is great if you don’t want to have to climb up and down ladders to take on your cutting tasks. In total, you’ll get an overhead reach of 10-feet, and this is impressive. If you want to work on the ground, all you have to do is remove the extension pole and use it like a chainsaw. 

 

You’ll get an 8-amp motor on this product that works to shed a lot of the weight on it, and this is fantastic as it reduces the burden on your arms and hands as you raise it up to use it. There is also an auto-oiling and auto-tensioning system on the chain to keep it running in top condition for short or extended projects. In turn, this can increase the saw’s service life. You get a 120-ml oil tank that will keep the important moving parts lubricated. There is a 10-inch bar on this pole saw, and you don’t need any tools to swap out the pole itself. The rotatable handle is comfortable to hold to help reduce fatigue too. 

 

PROS

• Eight-foot extension pole
• Auto tensioning system 
• 120-ml oil tank 
• Eight-amp motor 
• 10-inch bar 
• Easy to remove the pole 
• Longer service life 

CONS

• Can be top heavy

5. MAXTRA Gas Pole Saw – Best For Logging

 

This is a 2-cycle gas-powered pole saw that has a 42.7cc motor, so it’s suitable for heavier projects. You can use it to trim, prune, cut, and log wood in your yard or garden to store it for use later. You get almost 1,100-watts of energy from the engine as it runs, and it transmits this through the adjustable pole. You can adjust it from 8.2-feet up to 11.4-feet to reach those higher stubborn branches without needing a ladder, and this is generally safer for you because you don’t have to worry about lugging equipment up the ladder, overbalancing, and falling. 

 

The chain measures roughly 10-inches, and it allows you to cut branches between 13 and 16.5-feet off the ground without a problem, depending on how tall you are. There is an ergonomic design on this product that will keep you comfortable for longer uses, and you get an air filter in the engine that allows for fewer fumes to escape with cleaner combustion to make it better for the environment. There is also a muffler shield that stops you from accidentally touching the hot muffler to avoid burns. The low kickback chain is also nice, and you get a centrifugal clutch in the design. It’ll cut through 8-inch to 10-inch thick branches with ease. 

 

PROS

• 42.7cc motor 
• 10-inch chain
• Low kickback design 
• Muffler shield 
• Cuts through 8 to 10-inch branches 
• Adjusts up to 11.4-feet 
• Easy to operate 

CONS

• Requires you to mix oil and fuel

6. BLACK+DECKER 20V Pole Saw  – Best For Smaller Trees

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BLACK+DECKER 20V Pole Saw

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Black+Decker’s pole saw runs on a 20-volt Lithium-Ion MAX battery, and this type of battery can easily extend the battery’s charge retention to help you take on bigger projects without having to recharge it halfway through. The battery should last roughly 100 cuts with you work on branches that are 1 ½-inch thick. You get an eight-inch chain fitted on this tool, and this allows you to slice through branches that are up to six-inches thick without worrying about it stalling out. So, you can safely and effectively trim your fruit trees, any shrubs, and larger trees you have in your yard or in your garden without a problem. 

 

This pole saw will extend your reach by 6.5 to 10-feet when you fully extend it, and it comes with a very balanced design that is safe to use. Depending on your height, you could use it to reach branches 14-feet off of the ground. The battery is compatible with a range of Black+Decker tools, so you can easily swap them out if you already have a few tools to extend how long you can cut. You can choose from nine different kits when you order, and this helps to ensure that you get one that comes tailored to your wants and needs. 

 

PROS

• Runs on a 20-volt battery
• Get 100 cuts per charge 
• Balanced design 
• Part of the Black+Decker tool system line
• Nine kits available 
• Reduced vibrations
• Maintenance-free

CONS

• May not last more than a few seasons

 

7. Greenworks 40V Pole Saw – Best For Small-Scale Cutting Projects

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Greenworks 40V Pole Saw

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 If you have fast growing shade trees in your yard, you can easily use this pole saw to help keep them neat and trimmed so they don’t look leggy. It comes with a 40-volt G-MAX Lithium-Ion battery system that runs it, and it lasts a decently long time with one charge. You get 2Ah batteries in each order, and it comes with a rapid charger to ensure you always have power when you need it. It weighs in at just over eight-pounds, and this makes it easy for you to use it for extended periods without fatigue. The pole saw has an eight-inch bar with a chainsawing system on it, and it’ll slice through smaller branches without draining the battery. 

 

The tension system is very easy to adjust if you need to quickly loosen or tighten the chain while you work, and this improves your chain’s lifespan. The automatic oiler will lubricate the bar and chain to ensure it reduces the friction. There is an aluminum shaft that comes in three pieces, and you can extend the pole saw by eight-feet to help you reach higher branches in your yard. The auto oiler is a nice feature, and you can swap about any other G-MAX batteries you have with other tools. 

 

PROS

• Comes with 2Ah batteries
• Rapid charger 
• Extends up eight feet 
• Aluminum pole resists corrosion or rust
• Automatic chain oiler 
• Tool-less chain adjustment 
• Lightweight and easy to use

CONS

• Slightly higher price tag

8. Oregon 563455 Pole Saw Kit – Best For – Large Projects

 

This is a cordless pole saw that is another solid option for you to consider when you shop, and it’s a battery-operated model that comes with an eight-inch cutting bar. It runs on a 40-volt Lithium-Ion battery, and you get a 4Ah battery charger in each order to ensure you always have it ready to go when you need it. The telescoping handle can extend up to 10-feet from the ground, and this helps you reach a large amount of branches without a ladder. There is also a very unique mid-mount motor design that makes it much less bulky and more balanced, so you can easily use it for extended periods without any fatigue. 

 

The branch hook on this pole saw makes it easy to target and remove a limb without anything slipping, and there is an adjustable collar that allows you to extend the pole without any tools. The motor being in the middle of the saw also reduces the cutting head size, and this makes it easier to squeeze into hard-to-reach areas. There is an automatic oiler to ensure that the friction doesn’t drive the heat level up on the blade when you use it for extended periods, and there is a shoulder strap included to help keep you comfortable. 

 

PROS

• Eight-inch cutting bar
• 4Ah battery charger included 
• Branch hook tool
• Mid-mounted motor design 
• Padded shoulder strap 
• Rapid charger
• Easy to extend the handle  

CONS

• Back plate can break easily 

9. PROYAMA Multiple Trimming Tools  – Best For Multi-Use

 

You’ll get a lightweight but powerful gas-powered tool when you purchase this kit from Proyama. It weighs in at just 13-pounds, and this allows you to use it around your yard or garden without fatigue. It has a 2-cycle, 42.7-cc motor equipped, and this pole saw is very easy to maneuver, lift, and hold with the balanced design and telescoping pole that you can adjust anywhere from 8.2-feet up to 11.4-feet. This gives you a working height of 13-feet maximum, and you can use it to cut branches up to 10-inches in diameter with the 12-inch cutting bar. 

 

As a bonus, you’ll get several trimming tools that you can use with this pole saw when you purchase this kit. You will get attachments for hedge trimmers, string trimmers, and a brush cutter that helps save space when you store them because you don’t have to run out and buy separate tools. You also get a face shield, ear protection, and safety gloves when you buy it. The pole saw bar carrier will help cover the blade for safety reasons when it’s not in use. It has an EPA certified engine that makes it discharge less gas and fuel as it runs, and this makes it better for the environment. 

 

PROS

• EPA-certified engine
• Has a saw case 
• Weighs 13-pounds 
• Includes several attachments 
• Get face, ear, and eye protection 
• More powerful engine 
• Balanced design 

CONS

• Shaft can bend with heavy use

10. DEWALT 20V Pole Saw – Best For Shrubs

 

The final pole saw on the list comes from Dewalt, and this is a very reputable brand that backs all of the products it produces. You get a cordless pole saw that runs on a 20-volt battery, and it comes outfitted with an eight-inch bar and chain that allows you to tackle shrub pruning projects. There is a very high-efficiency brushless motor on this saw that will give you up to 96 cuts on a single charge. You get a very well-balanced design with a shaft that will extend up to 10-feet to give you a maximum reach of 15-feet from the ground. The automatic oiling feature works to protect your chain from damage due to friction to extend the tool’s life. 

 

There are metal bucking strips on Dewalt’s pole saw that give you a very durable cutting grip that won’t slip, and there is a tree hook that lets you remove pruned branches without worrying about them falling. The low kickback chain is a nice safety feature, and you get a nice comfort-grip handle that has an ergonomic design to it. This is a lower maintenance pick, and it has a sleek black and bright yellow color scheme that is easy to spot once you set it down. 

 

PROS

• 96 cuts per charge 
• Runs on a 20-volt battery 
• Metal bucking strips 
• Comfortable grip 
• Lower maintenance design 
• Sleek coloring 
• User-friendly 

CONS

• May not reach 15-feet at full extension

Best Pole Saw Buying Guide 

When you start looking for the best pole saw to suit your needs and upcoming projects, it’s extremely easy to get overwhelmed because there are so many options available. You also have to consider what you want to use your saw for because the best pole saw for trimming thin branches away from your house when you build a porch is way different than the saw required to cut thick overhang. 

Choose a Type of Pole Saw

The best pole saw won’t be the same for everyone, and this is why it’s important you decide on a type early on in the buying process. You can break the saws down into three broad categories, and this can help you narrow down your options right from the start. The categories include: 

• Cordless – Cordless saws run on batteries. This gives them a flexibility that you won’t get with other options because you can take them virtually anywhere without having to worry about finding a power source. However, the batteries tend to last under an hour per charge. 

• Gas – Gas-powered pole saws are more traditional, and they give you a good deal of power packed into a lightweight design. You have to add oil and gas to keep them running, but they give you a steady stream of power. The drawback is the emissions they produce. 

• Manual – If you’re going to cut very thin branches, a manual pole saw can be a good choice. You simply saw the branches with this best pole saw category, so you have to have some power behind it. It can be awkward to use this type of saw way over your head because you need a lot of leverage. 

Cutting Bar Length 

The cutting bar on your pole saw will tell you how thick the branches are that your saw can comfortably cut. Cutting bars start around six-inches long and go up to 12-inches with eight-inches being the most popular length. You have to think about what projects you want to take on with your pole saw. Do you want to cut and trim your Dogwood tree or is it for shrubs? The standard rule is that your cutting bar should be at least two inches longer than the branch diameter you want to cut. So, an eight-inch cutting bar allows you to cut branches up to six-inches around. 

Choosing the best pole saw type and style will differ for everyone based on their unique needs. Buying the correct one will give you a valuable piece of equipment that allows you to tackle small and large projects all over your yard.

Maximum Height 

How much height does your pole saw have to lend you? The best pole saws can give you up to 20 feet of extended height to easily cut branches in the tops of smaller trees. Other pole saws only give you 10 or 15 feet. It’s important to note that you’ll have less control the higher you go. The poles can flex and move when you try to cut to throw your finished product off. 

Materials 

The materials your best pole saw comes made out of will directly impact how long it lasts. You want all of your gardening tools to last for years, and picking a pole saw with high-quality materials can help ensure this. Look for aluminium or metal for the body because this can resist rust and corrosion. The locking gears should be metal, and the saw itself should be a lightweight by durable design. More well-known brands usually incorporate sturdier materials into the designs because they have to protect their reputations, so it can be worth it to spend a little more upfront. 

Convenience Features 

Convenience features are things you don’t necessarily need to have on your saw, but they make it easier and more convenient to use. For example, some saws come with an automatic oiling system to keep your blade well-lubricated while others don’t have it. Other saws have anti-vibration features built-in to increase your comfort levels when you use it. Non-slip grips and locking pole segments are other features to keep an eye out for when you shop. 

The goal of using a pole saw is to keep you firmly on the ground to help avoid falls or other accidents. These saws also allow you to stay a good distance back from any falling branches. 

Bottom Line 

The best pole saw can help you streamline your projects and give you a versatile and powerful tool that you use to keep your trees and shrubs healthy. I’ve showcased 10 great options for you with short reviews, and you can use them with the buying guide to make an informed decision about which is the best pole saw for your wants and needs.