Do you have a limb or branch that’s just out of your reach? I’ve been there, bothered by those unruly branches either hindering the tree’s growth or simply looking out of place. That’s when I turn to pole pruners.
In this guide, I’ll show how to use a pole saw or pruner so you can use this tool effectively and efficiently.
Using a Pole Saw in 10 Steps
Step #1: Prepare and Clear the Space
Make sure there are no people or valuable property in the area where you will be standing to cut down tree limbs. Also, check for potential trip hazards, like exposed roots, to ensure safe and easy movement across the workspace.
Roping off the area will prevent passers-by from being too near to your job in a public area.
Step #2: Determine the Parts You’ll Cut
Remember that making several smaller jump cuts is uncommon before making the final cut on a single huge branch.
If you can choose where to make your cuts on the twig or vine, do it on horizontal or nearly horizontal surfaces.
Step #3: Start Cutting the Lower Branches
Step #4: Position Yourself
When using a pole saw, always make sure to stand to the side and not directly underneath the branch you’re cutting. This positioning ensures you’re at a safer distance when the branch eventually falls. Safety first!
Make sure the pole saw’s end is at chest height. Get a good grip on the pole saw at an angle to get the best results from your cuts.
Step #5: Set the Pole Saw’s Length
Once you get into a proper position, set the height of your pole saw before you begin cutting.
How you do this will vary with each saw, therefore, it’s best to check the handbook.
The next step is to hold the pole saw at chest level and extend it so the blade can reach the lowest branch.
Step #6: Adjust its Blade
You’ll need both hands to get a heavy-duty pole saw to where you’ll be cutting. Put the saw down for a second and ensure you can handle it.
Once you’ve gained confidence in your ability to maintain balance, you can shift the saw’s blade to support the branch’s weight. But do not begin cutting yet.
Step #7: Cut Away
Step #8: Finish the Cut
Hand pruners make their cuts with the gravity of the pull stroke. Watch the branch closely, especially as it gets closer to the point of dropping, and be prepared to leave if necessary.
Step #9: Clear the Space Again
Once the limb is on the ground, it’s essential to move it aside. This will provide a clear workspace for further cutting. As you navigate around to address other branches, always be mindful of your footing to avoid any mishaps.
Step #10: Move on to the Next Section to Cut
After you’ve chopped off one branch, you can move to make subsequent cuts in a correct and safe position.
First, you should trim the lower limbs, then move on to the upper ones. Again, ensure you’re standing well away from the limb you’ll be cutting.
You should raise your pruner so the cutting edge is leveled with your chest and the branch is within reach.
When the groove is finished, you can quickly raise your stroke speed to work off the rest of the wood. You’ll want to move the fallen branch out of the way after it lands.
Repeat this process until all of the unwanted twigs have been cut away.
Hold the saw blade vertically against the branch for a clean cut. Once positioned correctly, you can begin making the groove.
Cautions to Know During Tree Cutting
Pruning branches from the ground can be risky, I know. Like most seasoned arborist, I often use a pulley system with ropes to lower heavy logs safely. But when working with pole saws and pruners, the wood tends to fall without much control.
I can’t stress enough how careful one needs to be. A falling branch or tall piece of wood can cause severe injuries or worse. So, always steer clear of trees near or overhead power lines.
You should not use your pruning tools to fall overhead boughs until you have mastered the procedures of making preliminary and jump-cuts [1]. These techniques will reduce the tree’s weight before making the final cut.
Pole Saw Cutting Tips and Basics
- Start most of your cuts at the top of the branch
- With a jump cut, the blade will enter from below. Working against gravity makes this a much more physically demanding cut.
- Cutting vertical water sprouts accurately from the ground requires a long pruning saw
- You can decide never to prune anything you cannot get from the ground. If you don't have a large tree on your property, you probably won't ever need to do this.
- If you've never used a pole saw before, you should familiarize yourself with all the potential dangers involved and ask an expert if the job is something you can handle safely on your own.
- Take a firm stance with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Keeping your left arm and thumb straight, grasp the pole.
- Holding the throttle lockout button on powered saws while squeezing the control will get things going.
- Make mild, constant pressure against the wood while the saw operates at full speed.
- Don't try or exert too hard. The chain can do the slicing for you.
- Maintain composure and avoid putting your hands above your head at any time. Put them where you can grab them with your waist to ensure stability.
- When working, it's best to stand at an angle to the limb you're preparing to remove, to avoid falling debris.
- While cutting, lubricate the bar and chain by pressing the chain oil bulb every 10 to 30 seconds. It will help your tools last longer but also makes cutting branches simpler.
- When you're finished, let the power tool come to a full stop by releasing the throttle.
- Remove the chainsaw from the pole when you're finished cutting limbs so you can use the branches as kindling.
Safety Tips: What to Wear, Which Branches to Cut, and Where to Stand
- Always use proper safety equipment when operating a chainsaw, such as gloves, a hard hat, ear protection, snug-fitting clothes, boots, and eye protection.
- It's important to grease the chain with chain oil before each use.
- If possible, only make cuts throughout the day.
- If you have a manual pole saw or you're using an electric pole or powered pole saws, avoid using it in the rain or while the ground is damp.
- You must prune by removing individual branches. It's a bad idea to lop off two in one swoop.
- Take down the broken branch before moving on to the next one.
- Be aware of spring back if a limb is under strain. It happens during the cutting process when the tension is released, causing the wood to snap back unexpectedly.
- Using a pole chainsaw might be dangerous because of the recoil you might experience. Kickback occurs when the blade's tip nicks a hard surface or if the chain gets pinched.
- If you want to remove branches over 8 inches thick, I recommend seeking help from a professional.
- Always avoid pruning or cutting tree branches close to or above live power lines. If faced with such a situation, it's crucial to contact experts to ensure safe and proper removal.
Conclusion
I hope this guide has given you a solid understanding of how to use a pole saw both effectively and safely. I’ve always found the pole saw to be an invaluable tool for tree-cutting tasks, but it’s vital to be aware of the potential risks involved.
If you’re feeling uncertain about where to begin, I’d recommend consulting with a fellow expert to ensure the job is within your safe capabilities.
You've probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
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