When it comes to yard maintenance, it is important to have all the necessary tools so you can complete any required garden work with ease. If you need to take care of shrubs or remove branches on a tall tree, you will definitely need a pole saw at your disposal. This is not the most typical piece of equipment. In fact, many people require assistance when it comes to buying the right pole saw for their garden. To help navigate a potentially confusing subject, we have provided this buying guide to help you make an informed decision.
What Is a Pole Saw?
A pole saw is exactly what you picture when you think of the name: a saw attached to a pole. These tools are excellent for cutting a variety of things, particularly the branches and vines of a tree. Electric pole saws can also be used to prune shrubs and trim the hard-to-reach tops of hedges. If you prefer, you can detach the pole of a powered pole saw and use it as a regular chainsaw.
What Is a Pole Saw?
Electric pole saws can be difficult to control due to the length of their extended handle, but when it comes to certain jobs, there really is no substitute, at least once you have had some practice anyway.
When a ladder or stool won’t reach
The main purpose of a pole saw is to eliminate the use of a non-sturdy ladder or stool when trimming hard-to-reach areas. You don’t want to be on a wobbly ladder when trying to start a gas-powered chainsaw. A pole saw gives you greater reach and makes tricky gardening jobs much safer.
Clearing brush
A pole saw is an excellent tool if you need to sort out undergrowth in your garden, whether that be for new construction or to eliminate fire risks.
Pruning
Pruning is one of the most common gardening jobs, one which requires precise cutting and planning. If you are a gardener, you will want to trim your trees once in a while to improve growth and shape them according to your taste. A pole saw helps you reach the tallest branches from the ground.
Trimming dead branches
Nobody wants dead branches hanging around their yard. Trimming these limbs when you spot them is the best way to keep your yard safe and looking its best. You can use a pole saw to remove any dead or obstructive tree branches without hassle.
This video from Remington Power Tools will show you how to safely use a pole saw to trim dead tree branches:
Things To Consider Before Buying a Pole Saw
Your need for a pole saw
There are plenty of electric pole saws on the market, many of which have different properties. Make a list of the jobs you need to complete, then find the best pole saw (https://popularwoodworking.com/review/pole-saw/) designed for those jobs in particular. For example, if you must cut off the branches on a tall tree, then a battery-powered pole saw with a long extendable pole is a good choice for your needs.
The size of your yard
A basic rule to remember: the bigger your yard, the more powerful a saw you will need when gardening, especially if you have a large amount of shrubbery.
Tree height and coverage
If the area in question contains lots of large trees, you will need to buy a pole saw which is long enough to reach the top branches. Also, you may want to think about investing in a cordless pole that won’t be anchored to an electric socket.
The frequency of use
Electric pole saws vary greatly when it comes to durability. If you are going to be using your pole saw on a regular basis, we recommend using a gas-powered saw rather than a manual or electric one, although some electric and battery-powered options might be easier to use.
Any special features you require
Pole saws come with a variety of different features. Self-oiling chains and removable saws are commonplace among these tools. Cordless pole saws are nice to have since you don’t need to fill them with gas or plug them into an outlet. You must understand your own preferences and take into account the things you need and enjoy when tinkering in the garden. Research these features and make a checklist of everything you require from pole saw before you make a purchase.
Budget
You need to figure out how much you are willing to spend on your pole saw, as they will vary in price depending on their use. You should also consider the price of maintenance as well.
Type of pole saw
At this point, you should have a pretty good idea about your needs, but now you must decide the type of pole saw you should get for your yard. There are benefits to all types, but it is important you understand the features offered by your chosen pole saw before you add it to the cart.
Manual pole saws have a longer reach and are lighter than power pole saws. You also don’t have to worry about a cumbersome chainsaw on the end of your pole. They are usually the cheapest option and do not require a great deal of maintenance. That being said, it can be tricky navigating branches with this tool, not to mention the fatigue manual pole saws can cause to your arms and back.
Electric pole saws are quieter than gas saws, but nowhere near as powerful. They are affordable but require a power outlet to work. They also cannot be used in the rain.
Cordless pole saws are excellent for those who have larger yards. All you need to do is charge them before use. They are more portable because they don’t have to be tethered to a power source, which makes them great for trimming large trees.
Gas pole saws are the industry-standard and mostly used by professionals. They are great for trimming thick branches, though they require more maintenance than other saws and they are also relatively heavy. They can be quite loud, so it’s best not to use them first thing in the morning if you want to be respectful of your neighbors.
Pole Saw Price Range
The cheapest manual pole saws can be found for as little as $20. However, if you want to shell out for a gas-powered saw, you can easily spend around $700, depending on the brand. Typically, the most popular saws are priced between $60 – $200 range.