Tree Pruners, Saws & Pruning Tools

Buying guide

Hand tools still do most of the pruning

Even on crews with a full lineup of chainsaws, much of the finest pruning work is done with hand tools. A sharp pull saw makes a clean cut with good control, without the noise or the extra hazard of a running saw. Hand saws are also lighter to carry in the tree and quick to use on small to mid-size limbs.

From the ground, pole saws and pole pruners let you reach deadwood, clear sidewalks and lift crowns without climbing. A good pole setup handles a lot of small-tree and street-tree work by itself.

Silky saws have a strong following among climbers for their sharp, fast-cutting blades. Felco hand pruners are known for durability and replaceable parts. Jameson and Marvin build pole tools that hold up to daily crew use.

Hand saws, pole saws and pruners

Hand saws come in straight and curved blades. Curved blades cut aggressively on the pull and suit overhead cuts, while straight blades give more control for precise cuts. A scabbard on your saddle or belt keeps the saw ready and protects you from the teeth.

Pole saws pair a saw head with fiberglass or aluminum poles, and pole pruners add a cutting head with a rope-pulled blade for small limbs. Bypass hand pruners handle the smallest cuts. Each tool in this department has its own section and buying guide.

Replacement blades keep favorite saws in service, and scabbards protect both the blade and the person carrying it. Poles come in sections that build to the length you need.

Good pruning starts with good cuts

The ANSI A300 standard describes how to make proper pruning cuts: cut outside the branch collar, avoid leaving stubs, and use the three-cut method on heavier limbs to prevent bark tearing. Sharp tools make this much easier. A dull saw tears wood and encourages rushed cuts.

Use the right tool for the size of the cut. A hand pruner for twigs, a hand saw for small and medium limbs, and a chainsaw only when the cut calls for it. Forcing a small tool through a large cut leads to tearing and poor results.

Clean cuts also save time. A clean, well-placed cut rarely needs to be redone, and a tree that is pruned well needs less correction work later. That is better for the tree and for your client relationships.

Working near power lines

Never use conductive poles near energized lines, and only qualified line-clearance arborists should work within the minimum approach distances to power lines. Fiberglass poles rated for electrical work are used for line clearance, but they still require training, inspection and the correct procedures under ANSI Z133.

Keep blades sheathed when moving around the site, wear eye protection and gloves when cutting, and keep the drop zone clear for the ground crew.

Wipe and dry all cutting tools at the end of the day.