This review has been updated 5 times since it was first published in October of 2021. When left to their own devices, healthy trees and towering bushes can grow into an out-of-control jumble of limbs and branches in a hurry. You’ll need to trim them occasionally to keep everything neat and tidy. Instead of fighting with a ladder to achieve the proper height for pruning, grab one of these cordless pole saws, so you can handle all that cutting from the safety of the ground.
10. Black+Decker LPP120
You’d expect a tool that can handle fairly ambitious trimming jobs to be a bit heavier, but the Black+Decker LPP120 (appx. $119) proves that isn’t always the case. It deftly slices through branches between one and two inches thick without bogging down at all.
- Includes a bottle of oil
- Disassembles easily for storage
- Short battery life
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9. Sun Joe iON8PS2
You’re probably not over the moon about trimming the limbs on your giant birch tree, but the soft foam grip and comfortable shoulder strap on the Sun Joe iON8PS2 (about $219) will make the task a more pleasant one. It has a hard-wearing, self-lubricating cutting bar.
- Head pivots 30 degrees
- A solid blade cover
- A solid blade cover
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8. Garcare Laser
Zeroing in on that perfect trimming angle shouldn’t be a problem with the Garcare Laser (around $110), which features a versatile head that pivots to six different positions. The durable blade offers a 20-inch cutting length for efficiently tidying up wide bushes and shrubs.
- Tough aluminum extension tube
- 2 handles for enhanced control
- Front end is rather heavy
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7. Greenworks Pro
A good battery life and a nearly noise-free operation make the Greenworks Pro (appx. $279) a quality option, though it’s not as lightweight as some of the more nimble models, which means it can be a little awkward to manage. It comes with a battery and a charger.
- Translucent tank to see oil level
- Built-in hanging hook
- Hard to find a replacement chain
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6. Worx WG323
At 10 feet in length, the extension on the Worx WG323 (about $142) allows you to reach areas that previously only the local birds and squirrels were able to access. It doesn’t run at very high speeds, but it affords you plenty of power and control for most jobs.
- Can be used without pole too
- Maintains its chain tension well
- Requires very little maintenance
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5. VonHaus Max
You’ll have to exert a little bit of effort when using the VonHaus Max (about $180) for extended periods of time, but the extra workout will be worth it when you see the massive pile of felled limbs and leafy branches once you’re finished with your project.
- Safety switch prevents accidents
- Charges fully in 150 minutes
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4. Honda UMC435LAAT
You’ll have to purchase a compatible pole saw attachment separately to pair with the Honda UMC435LAAT (about $379), but once you have both, you’ll be ready to go. This powerful gas-powered model usually starts with one pull and includes a strong shoulder strap.
- Effective noise-reducing technology
- Operates with minimal vibrations
- Easy to lock in attachments quickly
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3. Hooyman 655236
Hunters enjoy the Hooyman 655236 (appx. $246) for, among other things, its natural green color. It blends in with your surroundings in a wooded area, making it handy for clearing brush to create shooting lanes. It’s also built with a little window for checking the oil level.
- Breaks down into 3 sections
- Comes with a carrying bag
- Weighs less than 10 pounds
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2. Ryobi One+
Many models will not emerge victorious when pitted in battle against branches that are four inches thick, but the Ryobi One+ (around $139) is different. A razor-sharp chain and high-performance motor combine to ensure consistent, smooth cutting.
- Ryobi One+ Many models will not emerge victorious when pitted in battle against branches that are four inches thick, but the Ryobi One+ (around $139) is different. A razor-sharp chain and high-performance motor combine to ensure consistent, smooth cutting.
- Foam seal prevents oil leakage
- Battery lasts a long time
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1. Greenworks G-Max
The Greenworks G-Max (around $196) is an all-in-one pole saw and hedge trimmer, so with some simple altering of its configuration, you can take on myriad projects without having to root around in the shed for more tools. Its shoulder strap is easy to attach and detach.
- Helpful automatic oiling function
- Cuts through branches quickly
- Lithium ion battery included
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