It depends on how high the branch is: a pole saw handles limbs within reach of its pole, while a rope saw handles branches above that, as long as a weighted rope can be thrown over them. Both keep the person pruning on the ground, without climbing or running a chainsaw overhead.

Why does branch height decide the tool?

Because each tool's reach is fixed by its length. A pole saw reaches as far as its pole plus the user's raised arms, while a rope saw needs rope long enough to run from the ground, over the branch, and back down, so its working height stays below the length of each rope.

Which tool works best for branches within a pole's reach?

A pole saw. Once a limb is within range of its 16 foot pole, the EZ Smart Pruning Saw With 16' Pole works through it with a 14 inch, two way cutting blade, though pole saws make clean cuts difficult and need careful use.

How should a heavy high branch be cut from below?

In stages, so the bark does not tear. A small wedge shaped cut on the underside, just on the branch side of the stem collar, breaks the bark first, and a second cut farther out takes the branch off and leaves a stub.

Which tool works best for branches above a pole's reach?

A rope saw. Where a pole saw runs out of length, the TreeHelp Rope Saw: Homeowner carries its 24 inch carbon steel chain blade up to the limb on two 25 foot ropes and a throwing weight, cutting three sides of the branch at once.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should the final pruning cut be made?

Just on the branch side of the stem collar, the lip of tissue at the base of the branch, to shorten the stub as much as possible.

Why leave a stub on the second cut?

So most of the branch's weight is gone before the final cut, which keeps a tear from running along the bark.

Does a pole saw reach higher than its pole length?

Yes. Overhead reach adds the user's raised arms to the pole, so a 16 foot pole reaches somewhat higher than 16 feet.

Which rope saw has the longest blade?

The professional version. The TreeHelp Rope Saw: Professional uses a 48 inch blade, twice the length of the homeowner version's 24 inch blade.

What tool reaches branches too high for a ladder?

A rope saw. Its weighted rope is thrown over the branch from the ground, so the cut happens without climbing, and a branch beyond the rope's reach, or a job beyond a homeowner's skill, calls for an expert.