Is there a limb or branch you want to cut that is too high for you to reach? If you find them annoying, impeding the tree’s growth, or just visually unappealing, then you need a pole pruner.
To begin, you need to know how to use a pole saw or pruner, and this is what we will teach you.
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
Consider how you will get to the topmost limb or twig that needs to be cut down. In most cases, this entails amputating the lower extremities first.
If you want to safely and easily cut branches from higher up in the tree, you’ll need to start clearing the way by removing the ones on the lower part.
To begin, devise a strategy for removing the tree’s lower limbs. Get started with the lower planks of wood and work your way up.
Step #4: Position Yourself
When cutting with a pole saw, it’s best to stand to the side rather than directly under it. If you use the correct position, you’ll be less likely to be hurt when the trunk finally gives way.
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
First, cut perpendicularly to make your first strokes sink in as much as possible, even though the rest of the cut will need to go in a different direction. Making a groove can help direct your subsequent, faster strokes.
If the branch is slanted, your saw may try to slip sideways during these preliminary strokes. If the saw slips, pause what you’re doing, rebalance your position, and then try again.
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
As soon as the limb hits the ground, you should move it out of the way so you can continue cutting.
As you wander around to get different limbs, be careful not to trip.
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.
The saw blade must be held vertically against the branch to make a clean cut. Once your blade is in place, you may start cutting the groove.
Cautions to Know During Tree Cutting
Pruning branches from the ground is a hazardous task. A professional arborist will use a pulley system with ropes to gently lower a heavy log. With pole saws and pruners, you have to let the wood fall uncontrollably.
A large branch or tall piece of wood that falls can cause serious injury or even death. Therefore, avoid cutting down 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
- The majority of cuts are made beginning 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.
- When 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, you should get help from a professional.
- Never attempt to prune or cut tree branches or limbs near or above any live power lines. To have this removed properly, you get in touch with experts.
Conclusion
We hope you have learned how to use a pole saw properly and safely using this guide. There’s no doubt that a pole saw is the best tool for tree-cutting jobs, but you should familiarize yourself with all the potential dangers involved.
If you’re unsure where to start, don’t hesitate to consult with an expert if the job is something you can handle safely on your own.
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