Pole Saw Advice

The pole saw is undeniably one of the most proficient tools when it comes to working with trees. Popular for both domestic and commercial uses, this small yet powerful machine produces the perfect and desired results. For home use, it may be used for small pruning jobs in your backyard whereas for commercial purposes, it can be suitable for logging. Pole saws are available with 2- or 4-stroke power units, rechargeable battery- powered versions and plug in electrical forms. A pole saw may be a common tool in the tree industry, but it’s often overlooked when it comes to operating it correctly and safely.

Though very essential, pole saws may be dangerous and could cause severe injuries if not handled with care. Over the years, we have heard of some horrific accidents and injuries caused by poor handling of pole saws. For instance, 30k+ chain saw related cases are reported annually in the United States alone, with some accidents being tragic. Accidents can range from eye injuries to electrocution. Despite the risks, a pole saw is still a great asset in any gardener’s kit.

Along with injuries, improper use can also damage trees and affect their health. However, with discretion and professional guidance, even a beginner can use this simple yet indispensable tool. This article is all about the fundamental pole saw practices; how to safely use a pole saw for best results.

Before Getting Started

Traditional pole saws lacked the safety features and refinements present in the current powered pole saws. Yet somehow, the accidents never seem to stop. Most people ignore the safety features that are clearly engraved on the warning decals of the machines and in the operator’s manual.

It should be noted that pruning trees that are beyond your reach could be very dangerous. Unlike arborists who use rope in a pulley to safely descend a cut wood, using pole saws lets the wood fall on to the ground uncontrolled. Caution should therefore be taken with pole saws. Every year, thousands of people around the world are hospitalized with chain saw related injuries. Statistics put the annual cost of these injuries at over $350 million annually with an average injury requiring 110 stitches. You, therefore, do not want a 50-pound branch landing on your head or knees.

Prevention is better than cure. Below are some precautionary measures to keep in mind before beginning work.

• Pole saws are heavy and tiresome tools. They can be hard to work with especially at extensions above 8 feet.
• Use your pole saw only to cut wood or wood products
• Thick woods are harder and more dangerous, slower and more tiresome to cut. Pole saws here should be used to cut the limbs up to a few inches thick.
• You should never attempt to fell an overhead tree unless you are familiar with weight reduction techniques. Poor judgment causes most accidents. This is usually because the user is either inexperienced with little knowledge on how to use the pole saw, or he simply can’t use it because it’s above his skill level.
• Carry out extensive risk assessment on site before you begin pruning. You should never use pole saws when above or near power lines. If in doubt, don’t hesitate to call the power supply company for insights.
• Familiarize yourself with emergency procedures in case of an accident, and any environmental and legal restraints to avoid getting on the wrong side of the law.
• Wear the correct eye, ear and head protection. Dust, wood chips, snapping branches and other debris can get into your facial area at any time.
• Do not operate a pole saw when you are sick, fatigued, under the influence of alcohol or any other substance that can impair your judgement, vision and dexterity. Also, work only when there is ample lighting to see clearly.

How to Correctly Use A Pole Saw

Different types of trees have different cutting techniques. It is therefore essential to be familiar with the specific type of wood that you’re dealing with. Flowering and fruit trees are usually pruned after blooming. Evergreen trees, on the other hand, don’t need pruning; you simply remove any undesirable growth, and you are good to go!

1. Choosing The Appropriate Pole Saw

For the intended and desired results, the appropriate pole saw should be selected. You ought to check for the dimensions; size and height of the tree you wish to cut. Also, consider the size and length of the pole. Lightweight saws are usually the most preferred ones. For this reason, you may opt to work with the electric saws, weighing at around 15 pounds. They’re lighter than the gas or rechargeable versions.

Before commencing your work, you will require: a pole saw, gloves, protective goggles, a hard hat, and work boots.

2. Clear The Work Area

Secondly, you need to clear the working space before you start your work. Keep people and property away for safety reasons in case something goes wrong. Keep away any trip hazards and keep note of the ones that can’t be moved elsewhere. The core reason for this is that you need to move quickly and swiftly when disaster strikes.

3. Plan Where To Cut

Decide on the specific area to cut. Removal of a branch normally requires numerous jump cuts and preliminaries. These practices reduce the weight before the final cut. Try as much as possible to make cuts at or near the horizontal surfaces of the branch.

Always begin cutting from the bottom. In most cases, cutting usually begins from the bottom of the top branch. However, you should go for a ‘v’ cut. Begin from the underneath, at an angle then later revise the direction of the angle to obtain a V-shaped cut. Arborists suggest working from the bark layer into the wood. This reduces much physical work as gravity does the rest.

It is worthwhile to note that vertical water sprouts are usually impossible to cut from the ground.

4. Position The Pole Saw Adequately

You first need to check the machine before you start pruning to certify that all the safety features are working as they should. Before you turn on the engine, ensure that the chain or blade is not in contact with anything. Place the pole saw near the horizontal surface of the branch. Do not operate a pole saw with one hand. Hold it with both hands; be in control of its weight. Carefully, reposition it to the cutting spot with the weight now shifting to the branch.

5. Position Yourself

Ensure you are standing steady and at a position suitable to hold your end. Never operate a pole saw while on a ladder. The branch you’re cutting could fall and hit your ladder causing you to lose control and fall with severe injuries. The pole saw should always be at your chest level and never below it. It should be at an angle while you cut, and not directly up and down. You may need to lengthen your pole to make this possible.

6. Start Cutting

It is now time to cut! Here’s where all the fun is. Remember, control is essential. Begin the first strokes slowly and carefully. Make the first stroke bite in as deep as possible. This is necessary to create a groove in the wood, which will guide you later and fasten the speed of the other strokes. Expect the saw to slide sideways during the first strokes. When this happens, reposition it before continuing. Also, be aware of kickbacks. This occurs when the tip of the guide bar is exposed to a solid object causing it to jerk up suddenly. Kickbacks are very dangerous and could cause injuries to the shoulder, neck, face, and hand. Famous golfer, Greg Norman, was a victim to this, almost losing his hand. Kickbacks contribute to a quarter of the chainsaws injuries.

The deeper the saw is in the groove, the faster your strokes will be. Gravity helps the pole saw cut on the pull stroke. Keep a careful watch on the branch as it nears the falling point. When this happens, be ready to retreat safely.

7. Clean Up

Before beginning to cut another branch, first clear away the fallen limb out of the work area. This is to avoid tripping. Shut off the motor or engine before setting the unit down.

Pro Tip: Upon familiarizing yourself with the pole saw and clearing the working area, it is imperative that you notify someone about your location. Have someone check up on you. This job often causes injuries, and so as a safety precaution, someone should be near when this happens. Moreover, a first aid kit and other medical equipment should be available in case they are necessary.

Trimming Using A Pole Saw

Trimming is used to make branches more beautiful and healthy. It also reduces the chances of infection caused by dead branches. The infection usually weakens large branches and sometimes even kills the whole tree. No need to worry however about this menace! The broad and sharp curves of the blades are enough to solve this situation. Get yourself a pole saw and a pair of secateurs. The saw should be able to access 20 feet high in order to eliminate the need of a ladder. The gear type is preferred explicitly for this task to deliver a spectacular and quick job.

Conclusion

Using a pole saw might be harmless with no injuries if the techniques mentioned above and safety concerns are adhered to. If you are a newbie handling the tool for the first time, it is recommended that you seek help from an expert. Research more on the different tools to boost your confidence. Always have the mentioned techniques in mind. Do not take your chance with fate while using a pole saw. Remember also that you are responsible for the environment. Clean up after use and store the tools properly. Above all, cut trees responsibly. Stay green!

Remember that time you brought home your little tree, how adorable it was with cute flowers and the promise of long limbs? Fast-forward to today. It’s no longer the ideal plant you envisioned. The tree is now older with an untamed personality. It displays an indecent number of blooms and pushes branches wherever it feels like. Trees are valuable assets but they lose their appeal if left unpruned. The health of your trees and shrubs depend on the attention and care you provide. There’s nothing less conspicuous than an outstanding pruning job. But on the flip side, improper pruning can greatly reduce your landscape’s potential. In most cases, it is better not to prune at all than to do a shoddy job.

Pruning is both an art and a science. The artistic part involves getting rid of unwanted pieces so that your plant appear attractive. The science is all about skillfully eliminating defects that hinder growth. Most gardeners forget about one of these aspects during routine landscape maintenance, resulting in avoidable mistakes. Every gardener can relate to that feeling of panic when you make a cut and realize you have ruined the shape of your tree or shrub.

Whether you are new to gardening or just need a refresher, this guide will tell you everything you need to know about taking care of your trees.

Why Prune?

Pruning is an essential gardening technique for aesthetics, health and safety of trees. When done correctly, pruning encourages good looks in trees, and flowering and healthy growth in flowering plants. A proactive gardener begins pruning as soon as a tree is planted. Envisage the shape of the plant at maturity. It helps to prune trees and shrubs at the right season. Some plants are best pruned right after flowering. Some during winter.

Proper tree and shrub pruning helps to: Alter/rejuvenate growth, maintain safety by protecting property, passersby and passing vehicles, influence direct growth, get rid of undesirable growth, produce more fruits or flowers, create particular shapes, and promote plant health.

When Should I Prune?

Pruning at the wrong time may not damage the plants, but it can sacrifice that year’s fruits and flowers. You don’t want that. For spring-flowering trees and shrubs, begin pruning immediately after the flowers fade. For summer blooming shrubs and trees, start pruning before new growth emerges, ideally during winter or early spring. Pruning during dormancy boosts new growth as soon as the weather starts to get warm. If you experience extreme winter, you may want to try late summer pruning. Early blooming trees include Ornamental Cherry, Magnolia, Apricot and Flowering Plum. Late blooming trees include Dogwood, Catalpa, Hawthorn and American Smoke Tree.

Tree Pruning Tips

Going to prune with an arsenal of sharp tools and no plan is failure in waiting. Before you head out to prune, gather the appropriate tools. If it’s a big tree, for instance, you may need to have a stepladder.

If you are just starting out, leave large, established shade trees to tree care professionals and qualified arborists.

There are various ways to shape a tree. Pruning of young trees should be limited to corrective pruning. A gentle hand is the best when tree training.

Do not prune more than 25 % of living branches. If you prune too much, your trees will sulk and bear many leaves. As a rule of the thumb, limit yourself to pruning a third or less of a tree annually.

Get rid of dead, broken, diseased branches and those that rub or cross one another.

To allow water to roll off, ensure you make cuts at a 45-degree angle.

For best results, you need a sharp blade. A cleaner cut heals faster than a cut made with a dull blade.

Before making cuts, consider these guiding principles provided by the U.S. Forest Service:

• For branches with a diameter less than 2”, make the cut.
• For branches with a 2-4” diameter, think twice before cutting.
• For branches with a diameter more than 4”, cut only if you have a convincing reason.
• Never get rid of more than ¼ of a tree’s total leaf-bearing capacity.

There are 4 basic pruning cuts, each giving its effect to a plant. They are pinching, heading, shearing and thinning. Pinching involves using your thumb and forefinger to pinch off terminal buds to stop the stems from elongating. Heading is almost similar to pinching, but it requires you to cut farther back on the shoot. It is normally done with hand-held pruners and is aimed at stimulating the buds just below the cut to give way for dense growth. Shearing is a method adopted by many gardeners to form a bush or hedge with a square or spherical form. It is done using electric or hand-held hedge shears. Lastly, thinning is aimed at minimizing the bulk of a plant with minimal regrowth and is done using a pole saw.  Each of the four ways can improve both the shape and health of a tree.

Pruning Tools

Whatever tool you use to prune your trees, having the right tool is essential. Remember to always keep pruning equipment sharp and clean.

Pruning Saw – a pruning saw is suitable for limbs larger than 2 inches. This saw cuts on the pull stroke, which is an easier and safer method for your trees. The sharp razor teeth minimize binding.

Bypass Pruner/Hand Sheers – the blades in a bypass pruner cut past each other just like scissors. This tool is suitable for shoots and small twigs up to ¼ in diameter.

Pole Saw – a pole saw is suitable for those high, hard to reach branches. For best results, ensure the blade is sharp. For easy storage, go for pole pruners with a handle that disassembles.

Loppers – loppers are suitable for branches 1-1.5” in diameter with dead or hard wood. It is advisable that you buy lopping sheers with extendable and lightweight handles to reach higher branches with ease.

Tips to Get the Best Tree Service

Tree pruning is not a project to rush into. If you opt for an arborist, you should first check whether they are certified. The cost of fraud and scams in the tree service business is staggering. There is a huge difference between an arborist and a certified arborist. Certified arborist have studied the art and science of safely pruning and removing trees. Don’t shy to ask for up-to-date certification and insurance. Certification can be from Certified Tree Care Safety Professional (CTSP) or International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Next, you should check whether they have the right equipment for the job and that they follow the industry safety standards. They should wear protective gear and use personal protective equipment for safety.

Conclusion

Tree and shrubs are pruned for several reasons, all of which result in a better performing and better-looking tree. There is never a bad time to remove damaged, diseased or dead branches. Now is the best time to let your tree retain its lost glory. By shaping trees at an early age, they will bend to your will and keep their limbs flexible, strong and close to the ground. Hopefully, this guide will help you prune so ineptly that your shrub or tree will look like a masterpiece.

 

If you’re just starting with woodworking, it’s common to get overwhelmed by the terminology. Saws can be particularly confusing, as each saw is designed for specific project types. You are probably familiar with more common saws like circular saws, chainsaws and miter saws. The chainsaw family’s little cousin – pole saw, is one of the most overlooked saws these days despite its many benefits. I personally know some folks who could benefit from utilizing pole saws for certain tasks but ignore them for whatever reason.

When it comes to essential power tools for a DIY enthusiast, a pole saw is an absolute must-have. How do I know if I need a pole saw? If you are a homeowner who needs your garden to look beautiful or yard manicured at all times, you should seriously consider purchasing a pole saw. Trees need constant pruning to thin out thick limbs and to get rid of broken branches for them to stay healthy and look their best.

Keeping your trees and hedges in good shape can be boring and tedious if you use traditional pruning tools. Proper pruning may seem like a daunting task, but you don’t need to waste money on a landscaper. Avoid unnecessary expenses by investing in the right arsenal of landscaping tools. Among the various gardening accessories and tools, a pole saw is one of the most important tools to have. A pole saw can help you bring magical results by getting the job done efficiently and economically. A neat, well-manicured garden can enhance the curb appeal of your property.

If you are among the lot that is unacquainted with pole saws and their amazing benefits, this article is for you! We will explain in detail, why you need to invest in a quality pole saw. We will highlight the reasons why you should get yourself a pole saw, the different varieties available and their uses. But first, you need to understand what a pole saw is. Read on to learn all you need to know.

What Is A Pole Saw?

As the name puts it, a pole saw is basically a saw attached to the end of a pole useful for simple tasks in and around the home. It is a sort of a miniature but powerful saw and the best choice if you do plenty of landscaping or own a garden with trees. This versatile garden equipment can be powered by gas, electricity or batteries. You can go for any of the three depending on your personal liking and of course, budget.

The concept of a pole saw is simple, but there are moving parts involved within. There are times when you need to cut vines, thick branches or shrubs, and this when a pole saw comes in handy. You can prune, cut, fell and trim up to a height of 14 feet using a pole saw. If you are trying to prune really high branches, you won’t have to use a step ladder to reach them. Pole saws come with added features like extra height and portable aluminum body.

When it comes to picking a pole saw, it is vital you pick the right one for your project and comfort. Having the right kind of pole saw can make your job much easier. Heavy pruning needs an electric pole saw, but for light pruning, you can use a non-electric pole saw.

Like any tool, pole saws carry inherent risks. To prevent any injuries or mishap, you should take the necessary safety measures and consider the guidelines. This can include wearing appropriate costumes, using protective gear and clearing work area. Also get familiar with your power saw before you dive into big projects.

Types Of Pole Saws

If you thought there was only a single type of pole saw, think again. When it comes to selecting a pole saw, you have a few options: manual, gas-powered and electric. Each of the options is tailored to meet varying needs. You need to settle for a pole saw that meets your unique needs. You also need to consider how often you will use the saw, if you have access to power supply and whether or not you are capable of carrying out regular maintenance.

Cordless Power Saws

A cordless power saw is powered by a rechargeable battery that lasts for an hour. It lets you cut tree trunks without the use of cords. This means that you no longer have to worry about the inconvenience of power cables or power cuts. They also make the least noise.

I highly recommend going for a cordless pole saw with the Lithium-Ion battery as it has higher durability and performs better than the Ni-Cd battery. This pole saw is easy to maintain as you don’t incur extra expenses apart from periodic chain sharpening. Being rechargeable and cordless means that you can use this pole saw anywhere. Cordless Power Saws may not be as powerful as the other types, but they do a decent job.

Gas-Powered Pole Saws

Gas-powered pole saws offer more powerful performance than their cordless and electric counterparts. Being the preferred choice for professional users, they also provide more functionality and high-end versatility. They run on a mixture of gas and oil, and are equipped with heavy duty bars and chains to enable them to cut thick branches. They might be heavier than electric motors, but this doesn’t mean that they can’t be easily operated and balanced.

The only downside to gas-powered pole saws is that they create a lot of noise and they require a degree of maintenance.

Electric Pole Saws

Electric pole saws are probably the most common type for homeowners with small yards. This can be attributed to their convenience of use. To use an electric pole saw, simply plug it into an electric socket and begin to trim your trees. Electric pole saws have 6-10” blades designed for smalls works of trimming. Since they don’t require a battery to be operated, they are much lighter than gas-powered and cordless pole saws. The only downside to electric pole saws is that how far you can trim is limited by the extension cord.

Benefits Of Using Pole Saws

1. They are easy to use even by the novice. You start a pole saw with a push of a button, and it is also easy to handle. You don’t need a step ladder to reach higher branches.
2. You have a good number of options to choose from. You can use any of the 3 pole saw types for a wide range of tasks like manicuring your trees, trimming hedges or pruning limbs and branches.
3. They are affordable and still have enough power to cut down branches several inches across.
4. They are lightweight which comes in handy when it comes to trimming trees as holding it will not tire your arms and shoulders.
5. You can choose the right length of the pole to meet your personal needs. You will find the adjustable buttons convenient when adjusting the size of the pole.
6. They require less maintenance with the automatic lubrication system delivering the right amount of lubricant to ease operations.
7. They are equipped with extra-power and fast cutting technology to work efficiently.
8. Cordless pole saws have a Lithium-Ion battery that provides long operation time.
9. Pole saws have a long lifespan meaning they can give you hours of better experience pruning or cutting.
10. They take up less space and are easy to transport.

Conclusion

Alright then. Now you have a much better idea as to why you should invest in a pole saw. Pole saws are not the most complicated tools, but they need some practice to master. Try to learn about pole saws as much as possible to make the most out of them.