Want to saw up high, but worry that it's dangerous to use a chainsaw while standing on a ladder? Good thinking.
So how can you reach those high branches while keeping your feet planted on the ground?
Take a lightweight chainsaw, add a stick, and you get a pole saw.
While the idea of a “chainsaw on a stick” might seem odd at first, it's quite a handy addition to anyone’s landscaping arsenal. Just don't go trying to make your own with a broomstick handle, or you could end up with a serious injury.
Instead, consider buying one of the three kinds of pole chain saw you'll commonly find available:
In the past, Ni-Cad batteries used to be common components of battery-powered saws. These days, lithium-ion batteries are considered standard due to their longer life and steady power output, even as the battery drains.
Because they're battery powered, cordless pole saws provide the lowest amount of power of any type of pole chain saw. In exchange for lower power output, however, they offer other benefits:
The bars on cordless pole saws tend to be between 8" and 10" to allow users to trim small to medium trees. For the homeowner with a few quick, occasional pruning and cleanup tasks around the yard to take care of, a cordless pole saw is a convenient choice.
The need to stay within 100 feet of an electrical source is one of the downsides of corded electric pole saws. But for those who don't mind staying plugged in, corded saw offer plenty of advantages:
If you'd like to spend a little more time outdoors trimming your trees (and also want to spend less money), a corded electric pole saw might be the right choice for you.
Why are gas pole saws well suited for heavy-duty work?
They might be louder and more expensive than either type of electric pole saw, but gas-powered pole saws give professionals and homeowners alike the freedom to work across large tracts of land and to take down thicker branches without running out of power.