Tree Poles & Pole Pruner Kits

Buying guide

Fiberglass, foam-filled and wood

Fiberglass poles are the standard for pole saws and pole pruners because they are strong, light and resist conducting electricity when clean and dry. Hollow-core poles are lighter; foam-filled poles keep moisture from collecting inside, which helps preserve their dielectric properties. Wooden poles, such as ash, are still used for tools like peaveys, where toughness matters more than weight.

Foam-filled fiberglass poles are the usual pick for crews that do any work near utilities, but remember that only qualified line-clearance workers should be near energized lines.

Long pole saws for trees are typically built from multiple fiberglass sections, so choosing the right tree pole system early saves money and frustration later. Pick one system and stick with it so all sections and heads interchange.

Building a pole system

Sectional poles connect end to end, so you can carry a few short sections and assemble the length you need. Most systems use a snap-button or locking connection. Keep sections from the same system together and check that each connection seats fully.

A pole pruner uses a rope to pull a cutting blade through small limbs. Keep the pole saw rope in good shape and routed so it cannot snag. A stiff, straight pole makes the work much easier at full length.

Rope poles and robel poles show up in searches too. Whatever you call them, the key is a strong, straight, well-maintained pole that fits your heads.

Care and inspection

Wipe poles clean after use, store them dry and off the ground, and inspect for cracks, splinters and damaged ends before each job. A cracked fiberglass pole can fail under load and may not be safe near power. Retire damaged sections.

Wear a helmet and eye protection when working with poles, and keep the ground crew out of the drop zone.

Clean fiberglass poles with a mild cleaner made for the purpose and keep the surface free of deep scratches. Some crews apply a silicone or wax finish to help shed moisture, following the pole maker's advice. Damaged gel coat lets moisture into the fiberglass, which is a concern for any work near power.

Kits and accessories

A pole kit gives you sections, a saw head and a pruner head that work together, which is a good way to start a pole system. Add sections over time as you need more reach. Jameson poles are widely used in the trade, and their 8 foot hollow-core poles are a common choice. Six foot foam-filled poles are easier to carry and store. A peavey with a 12 foot ash pole is a different kind of tool, used for rolling and moving logs.

When tying a rope to a pole, such as for a pruner, follow the manufacturer's instructions for routing and attaching the rope.

Store pole sections in a rack or tube on the truck to keep them from bouncing around and cracking. Keep heads sheathed during transport.