Pole Saws 101:Everything You Need To Know

Pole saws are an essential tool for anyone who needs to trim branches or cut down trees. They come in a variety of sizes and styles, so you can find the perfect one for your needs. . Cutting woods is fun when you have the right tool in your hand. The vine of a tree seems easy to cut when you will have three choices, pole saw, pruning from a ladder or you can hire an expert. 

Here in this article, we will include the best way to perform so that is about the ultimate guide of pole saw. If you never used it before then read between the lines of it. 

What Is A Pole Saw?

A pole saw definition falls largely under its key benefits and the main reason we do use a pole saw for its extended version. Using a pole saw you can stay firm on your foot at the same time you can trim the top branch of a tree. So this is called a pole saw, in general speaking. 

If we delve more into it, then a pole saw is a saw where you find a large pole which you may extend. The pole saw is for bringing the convenience to perform, it is lightweight, it offers easy to trim and portable so you may carry it to your front or backyard both. 

As we are talking about the pole part of a pole saw, then the length of a pole obviously an important part. Well, the length of a pole would be around 9 to 20 feet, where at the end you will find a horizontal hacksaw type blade. The pole saw is operated from either electric and gas powered mainly. 

Type Of Pole Saw

Poles saws offer tons of choices regarding its shape, power and sizes. If you never get to know the types of it then don’t fly without reading the following pole saw types: 

Gas Powered:

One of the most vigilant and powerful pole saw is Gas powered pole saw. Here is why they hold the kingship from other kinds. Because it can overweight tons of hurdles that others may not. The professional wood cutting and trimming requires more power and effort meanwhile, you won’t need to depend on traditional processes. 

A gas pole saw is not technically fully operated from only gas energy. There you find the mixture of oil and gas both in a ration of 50:1. 

Cost: Gas pole saw brings more excellence and heavy-duty and thus it costs somewhat more compared to others. When it comes to buying it, you may find a gas pole saw in between $140 to $1000. 

Benefits Of Gas Powered Pole Saw: 

• Performs heavy duty that other kinds won’t perform
• Ensure more run-time and no need any electrical wire or battery
• Take you to the maximum distance to the taller branches
• Able to cut thick branches which is impossible for hand pruning

The Cons:

• Gas pole saw is hard to maintain
• This type of saw is a little heavier
• Comparatively it is expensive

Electric Powered or Corded pole saw:

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Pole saw does the job of electrifying across the extended pole and gives the saw power to cut the heavy branches. The best part of it is to experience no-fuel power only need to plug in and charge it for a certain time and bring it to the backyard.  

Another good reason why it does better service is because of its convenience. It flexes out easily as it is easy to carry and more importantly it costs way less then the fuel or gas powered pole saw. 

When you get your hand on the operation then you may easily extend it. Afterward, you also find the blades would be between 6 to 8 inches long. However, it does not have the same agility of cutting samwise the gas pole saw. 

Cost: Electric or corded pole saw is a pretty affordable deal. If you ever get to buy it then the pricing would be variable in between $55 to $120, turns out it would be a great inexpensive pruning tool for your backyard and garden. 

Benefits Of Electric Powered or Corded pole saw:

• It comes with guide bar
• Convenient with the telescoping pole
• Motor is robust in action pruning
• Most affordable pole saw

The Cons:

• Not portable

Cordless or Battery Powered:

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Battery operated pole saw is for the basic pruning or you may use it for cutting weeds across your garden. Because it comes with the minimum power and the threshold of it would be 20 to 40 Volt Lithium-ion/Ni-Cad batteries. Also, the power it has infused ranging from 2-8 amp hours. The upside of it, it is more lightweight and thus easy to carry. Also, it gives you the least hard time while requiring maintenance of it.

Cost: Cordless has the amazing convenience while pruning and it won’t cost like gas powered. However, the price would be a little bit high if you compare with the cordless pole saw. When you will buy it the least expensive one will cost somewhere across $80 to $100. The most expensive or the compact one will cost more than $400. 

Benefit of cordless or Battery powered pole saw: 

• Portable and thus easy to carry
• easy to maintain
• No need professional experience to use

The Cons:

• Battery often dies before finishing pruning

Combination Saw:

A pole saw turns out a different tool with the help of combo process. Well, it begins right from the place where the saw part comes out from the pole. Here from this pole a saw becomes a chainsaw or you may get different types of saw attachment which you can eject and bring a new one. This type of saw is also called a customized saw. 

Manual Pole Saw:

This pole saw is from the old school however, we rate it as the most reliable one. The design may be a bit of primitive but thankfully, it works rigorously. This kind of pole saw comes with a rigid design where you will get to see curved style hacksaw blades with extended teeth. So the design is pretty handy to cut down wooden branches. In terms of length, they are variable but no worries, they are cheap though you bring on the longer one. 

Anatomy Of A Pole Saw

The anatomy of pole saws is simpler than you might think, but it varies depending on structure and functions. We’ll be discussing only manual and engine versions for simplicity.

GAS/ELECTRIC/CORDLESS POLE SAW:

All three-pole saws are somewhat different in functions, but their primary design is usually the same. They are described down below,

POLE: Most of the powered pole saws are made with aluminum or using lightweight metals. Thereby usually, they are delicate in structure and extendable. With a telescopic shape, versions that can stretch do so.

As they are made with aluminum, the outside layer is well reinforced and has more resistance. That’s why they have more resistance to dents and dings.

There is also a rubber grip area somewhere in the center of the pole to balance the saw while aiming for long bush and limbs.

SAW BLADE: The saw blade is essentially a miniature chainsaw design on any driven pole saw. That implies that for mini saw teeth that go around in a circle and the blade area is oval.

The teeth on the assembly blade are sharper and a little long in size. To make the sewing easier and quicker, the longer points work efficiently to cut the limbs; After all, you are carrying the chainsaw at the end of a 10 + foot spike.

ENGINE: On these kinds of pole saws, the motor drives the saw blades. The engine is placed at the bottom end and looks quite like a weed edger or eater. Depending on the engine, size and operation vary from time to time.

The gas-powered engine is supposed to be the largest and works with the primer button, which is aligned with a pull cord to start the engine.

On the contrary, electric corded pole saws are named the smallest engine size and the different battery versions. This will often weigh almost as much as models powered by petrol.

TRIGGER/HANDLE: To operate the blade, you need to know how to manage them, don’t you? The trigger is positioned right on the pole’s grip and handle, which provides the blade assembly with varying strength quantities.

MANUAL POLE SAW:

Manual poles have different types, and We would go over all the potential components and all the functionality that might be used in a more advanced model.

POLE: Likewise, here you get the pole again. Although powered pole saws generally provide a telescoping pole assembly to regulate the overall scope of manual pole saws, one size always suits all. Most experienced arborists seem to choose set pole sizes since it is easier to work with them for some purpose.

BLADE: On a manual pole saw, the blade is somewhat modified from powered saws.

Instead of a moving blade, the manual consists of a an elongated hacksaw-type blade and a slight curve at the center to assist with angling over the branch while reaching underneath. These blades are generally long and heavy. The design is very convenient as this helps to reach any height and gives the control to cut branches.

CLIPPER: These days, manual pole saws also include clippers to be able to snip quickly. The clippers are identical to the gardens’ hand pruners and clippers, but, of course, maybe a bit larger and placed on the end of a long stick.

This enables various options for cutting and pruning. Moreover, it helps in cutting small branches in a swift snip instead of sawing. 

PULL CORD: The pole saws that hold a clipper at the end will also contain a pull cord to help the clippers clip. The cord surrounds the whole saw by going upfront first, then downwards to the handle. At the bottom of the cord, you’ll find a horizontal plastic or wood handle for a firm grip and so makes it easier to pull down.

Hedge Trimmer vs Pole saw

Hedge trimmer and pole both have some similar pros but you can not pick any one of them interchangeably. Moreover, they come with some pros and cons and they are comparative to one another. 

However, if we explain the similarity then sometimes a pole saw does the job of a hedge trimmer. Let us figure it out how the pole saw does it. 

We know the area of hedges come with stems and leaves and they are not that thick. That being said, it does not extend the maximum hedge circumference which would be one inch. Here a pole saw would be handy to do the job so you may use it and stress on the little areas of stems and leaves. 

Unlikely to the thicker limbs, a pole saw would be great, also you can target on the individual branches. But to the full extent, compared with the hedge trimmer, a pole saw will not be suitable, so you should better bring it for fulfilling the fullest purposes. 

Pole Saw Uses/ pole saw usage

Cutting the overhead branches with a pole saw is a fun cleaning up task.

 But it will be a curse if you don’t use it correctly. You may wound severely.

  So, let’s know how to use a pole saw to cut or trim away tree branches safely. 

  Step 1

 First off, clear the work area where you are going to cut tree branches. Remove everything from the workspace that may be a problem for moving around freely. 

 In a residential area, make sure people can’t come too close to your working area. Otherwise, it will create a dangerous situation. 

Step 2

Make a proper cutting plan before starting your workflow. It will save you a lot of time and protect you from unwilling danger. 

Step 3

 After making a proper plan, first, start off your cutting workflow by cutting away low branches. Otherwise, you can’t reach overhead tree twigs or it will be inconvenient to trim the branches up. 

Step 4

 The right position of cutting away tree branches is to stand on the side of the tree twigs, not beneath it. 

 Otherwise, there is a chance to fall off the branches to you. 

Step 5

  After positioning you at the right spot, it will be better to adjust your pole

  saw length. 

  We recommend you to read the manual guide of the pole saw to see how long you stretch its length. 

 The rule of thumb is- keep the pole saw at your chest level while cutting. 

Step 6

  Set the blade of your pole saw rightly.

Step 7

  Now, you are ready to cut the tree branches. But the heck is- don’t start your cutting at full speed. 

 Otherwise, the blade will slip away and can make the cutting process difficult, which eats up a lot of time.

   So, create a groove by cutting the tree twigs at a slow speed.

  Then, speed up the cutting process and keep your eyes to the branches until it falls on the ground.  

Step 8

   Finally, clean your workspace by removing the cutting tree twigs. 

Pole saw vs pole pruner

Pole Saw and Pole Pruner are two cutting devices that allow you to do light

trimming workflows. 

The main purpose of the two devices is to cut branches. But which is the

best between these two?

Indeed, what’s the difference between pole saw and pole pruner?

A pole saw is a kind of device that lets you to cut overhead branches, and

light trimming works. 

On the other hand, a pole pruner, what its name suggests, is specially

designed for prune away tree twigs. 

Generally, a pole saw comes with more power to cut comparatively thicker

tree branches. 

On the other hand, the pole pruner has low cutting power compared to the

pole saw. 

The cutting bar length of the pole saw and pole pruner is also different. 

A pole saw is designed with a long cutting bar about 8-inch or more to cut

thick branches. 

In contrast, the bar length of a pole pruner is comparatively lower. 

Based on the model, you can cut through up to 8-inch thick branches with

a pole saw. But using a pruner, you can cut 1.25 thick tree twigs (max 5). 

Also, there is a difference between the pole length of the pole saw and the

pole pruner. 

Both of them come with extendable poles to cut high branches with ease.

However, some of the pole saws in the market offer the longest pole

compared to a pruner.

And finally, the weight! A pole pruner will be best for you if you look for a

lighter option. You can carry it around your yard and trim away branches. 

Pole saw safety: 

The safety hack with the pruning and trimming trees is that easy so you won’t need to pass hard time. Moreover, it is not like snipping shrubs down so don’t think of a tough time. If you look for some safety tips then read between the lines of below: 

Read the manual or guide: Most of the users don’t even have a look at manual or guide, resulting in them finding a bit of a hurdle to maintain the tool. However, with a pole saw you won’t undergo that much hurdle. But once you will read actively then you will come to know many specific fiction of your pole saw, making it easier to operate and maintain it. 

Wear Your Gear: Since trimming work with pole saw occasionally turns out dangerous especially when you don’t have the right gear. Here is why you must wear a hard hat, gloves with leather boots. These are not expensive and pretty important as safety gear so don’t be forgetful to wear them. 

Don’t use it aside from pruning or trimming: A pole saw has been specially designed, so it may ensure perfect pruning work. Aside from that, if you engage it for other purposes like shrubing and cutting bushes then this will lead to an accident. 

Inspect the area: This is a pretty basic safety precaution. Before applying the tool you just need to inspect the area whether there would be any obstacles or not. Also, you should not start working in the dark, windy or wet weather condition. Again, you should inspect the condition of the trees which you are going to cut or trim. For example, if the tree condition is decaying with the branches then the regular cutting will bring a threat, so consider it as well. 

How to prune a tree with a pole saw

In this chapter, we let you know how to prune a tree safely using a pole saw. 

Let’s dive into the below step by step guide to learn the pruning techniques.

Step 1

Before going to cut branches, at first, ensure you follow the below safety

precautions. 

To ensure your safety, wear gloves to get maximum grip & protection. 

Secondly, grip your pole saw firmly with your hands. Using the right hand,

grab the rear of the handle. And seize the pole shaft with your left hand. 

Thirdly, make sure you keep the body on the left side of the chain line. And

never position yourself directly under the tree you are going to cut. 

Step 2

First off, make a shallow cut underside of the limb of the main trunk. 

Step 3

From the top side of the branch, make a second cut outboard from the first

shallow cut. Keep cutting until the limb will separate from the tree. 

Be prepared to balance the weight of your pole saw. 

Step 4

Give a final cut close to the trunk. 

Now, you know the basics of tree pruning with a pole saw. 

To learn how to prune tree branches properly, follow the step by step guide

we described above (in the pole saw usage section). 

Pole Saw Maintenance

In this chapter, we will describe how to maintain your pole saw. It helps you to keep the maximum cutting efficiency over time. 

Here we go.

Maintenance tips before each use:

Do the following things before using a pole saw. 

• Ensure every nut, bolt, and screw of your saw is tight and stays in its place. Otherwise, this equipment may come loose, which will be dangerous. 
• Make sure the chain of your pole saw is in good shape. If it seems broken, repair it. 
• Check both the trigger and its lock function normally.
• For a gas-powered pole saw, check the air filter is clean. We recommend you to change the air filter if it is not in shape or get damaged. 
• Make sure there is no leak in the tank and the engine. 

Maintenance tips after each use:

• Remove any dirt & dust from the exterior of your pole saw using a rag. Also, clean the protective cover of your pole saw.
• Make sure you keep or store the pole saw in a safe place after using it. 

Weekly Maintenance Tips:

• Examine the oil level of your pole saw. If required, refill the oil cup. 
• Ensure every cable and connection is well and secure.
• Brush up the spark plug and then adjust its gap according to the instruction of the manufacturer. 

Monthly Maintenance Tips:

• Replace the fuel filter if it clogs. If it is in good condition, you don’t need to change it. 
• Change the spark plug per month if you use your pole saw regularly. 

Stihl Pole Saw

If you’re looking for a powerful and versatile pole saw, the Stihl Pole Saw is a great option. This saw has a number of features that make it ideal for a variety of tasks, including trimming branches, cutting through thick brush, and even felling small trees. The Stihl Pole Saw is also designed for easy use, with an ergonomic handle that makes it comfortable to operate.

Long Pole Saw

A long pole saw is a great tool for pruning trees and shrubs. It has a long, narrow blade that can reach high branches, making it ideal for trimming trees. The saw is also useful for cutting through thick branches and vines.

Echo Pole Saw

An echo pole saw is a great tool for trimming branches and cutting down small trees. It is a gas-powered saw that uses a long pole to reach high branches. The echo pole saw has many features that make it a great choice for those who need to do some serious pruning.

The first feature of the echo pole saw is that it is very lightweight. This makes it easy to carry around and maneuver. It also has an anti-vibration system that helps reduce fatigue while using the saw.

The second feature is the auto-oiler. This means that you don’t have to worry about lubricating the chain yourself, which can be a messy process. The third feature is the safety brake.

This helps stop the chain if it gets jammed or if you release the trigger suddenly. The echo pole saw is a great choice for anyone who needs to do some serious pruning or cutting down of small trees. It is lightweight, has an auto-oiler, and a safety brake, which make it safe and easy to use.

Ego Pole Saw

An ego pole saw is a great tool for trimming branches and limbs. It’s also perfect for cutting down small trees. The saw has a long, extendable pole that makes it easy to reach high branches.

The blade is sharp and can cut through thick branches easily. The saw is also lightweight and easy to maneuver.

Pole saw harbor Freight

Before knowing about the pole saw comes from Harbor Freight, first, let’s learn about Harbor Freight. 

Harbor Freight is a privately held retailer company that provides every type of tool with a discount. 

It collects tools from the manufacturer and sells them with discounts.

Now, let’s know about Harbor Freight Pole Saw. Harbor Freight retails every type of saw at a discount to save your bucks. 

You can find the following types of pole saw that come from different brands. 

27-Foot Pole Saw/Tree Pruner

If you’re looking for an easy way to trim high branches, a 27-foot pole saw/tree pruner is the answer. This type of tool can be operated from the ground, making it much safer than using a ladder. And, because it’s long and lightweight, it’s easy to maneuver around obstacles.

Most pole saws/tree pruners have a cutting head that swivels 360 degrees, so you can reach any angle. The cutting blade is usually made of carbon steel or stainless steel for durability and sharpness. And, most have a non-slip grip to help you keep a firm hold on the tool.

When choosing a pole saw/tree pruner, look for one that’s comfortable to use and has the features you need. For example, some models come with an extendable handle for even greater reach. Others have a built-in level so you can ensure your cuts are straight.

And, some even come with their own storage case or shoulder strap for easy transport.

Bauer HyperMax High Capacity Battery Lithium

Pros:

• Efficient to cut 7.4 inches thick branches & limbs
• Long battery life
• Angled cutting head offers smoother cuts
• Automatically adds oil to keep the cutting efficiency

Cons:

• A bit bulky for the motor at the end of the pole saw

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40v Lithium-Ion Cordless Pole Saw

Pros:

• Offer professional-grade cutting
• 15-feet reach in height lets you cut overhead branches with ease
• Angled head provides well-controlled and precise cuts
• Safe and comfortable to use
• Easy to put together

Cons:

• It would be best if the chain doesn’t come off

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Lynxx 40v Lithium Cordless Pole Saw

Key Features:

• Brand: Lynxx
• Cutting Capacity: 24 inches
• Battery Volts: 40
• Weight: 8.80 lbs

Pros:

• 10-inch bar allows you to cut 24-inch thick branches
• Let you to cut 15-feet overhear tree twigs with ease
• Long battery life
• Lightweight and easy to use

Cons:

• Leak oil from the tank while in storage

Pole saw for cutting palm trees

In this chapter, we reviewed the top 3 pole saws for cutting palm trees, including: 

• BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Pole Saw
• Sun Joe SWJ800E Electric Pole Chain Saw
• Remington RM1035P Ranger II 

BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Pole Saw

Black + Decker pole saw is our top pick for its interchangeable batteries, long reachability, and cutting efficiency. 

You can choose the right battery for doing any specific project. For example, if you want to cut palm branches or pine twigs, it will be better to pick the 1.5 ah battery or 2.0ah battery. 

On the other hand, you can use a 3ah or 4ah battery for cutting thick tree twigs or limbs. 

Indeed, depending on your cutting project, you can pick the battery to get the best trimming output. 

Afterward, using the extendable pole, you can cut tree branches up to 14-feet in height. So, you don’t need to worry about the overhead tree twigs.

Therefore, its 8-inch cutting bar & chain provides maximum cutting capacity. With this, you can cut through up to a 6-inch thick branch with ease and top precision. 

Pros

• Easy to maneuver & cut tree branches
• Convenient to use
• Easy to put together
• Provide precise cut

Cons

• It would be best if the chain doesn’t come loose often

Sun Joe SWJ800E Electric Pole Chain Saw

At number 2, we bring Sun Joe SWJ800E for its powerful motor, long reachability, and precise cutting efficiency. 

This Sun Joe pole saw comes with a 6.5-amp motor. With it, you can cut through the most stubborn tree twigs or limbs up to 7.5-inch thick. On top of that, its 8.5-inch cutting bar & chain offer efficient cutting ability. 

Therefore, it features an auto lubrication system. As a result, the chain of this pole saw remains lubricated while cutting. So, you will get a smooth and precise cutting result. 

Further, you can extend the pole to 8.7-feet. In total, you will get 15-feet of reachability in height, which is enough to cut overhead branches. 

Indeed, it is worth having this Sun Joe pole saw in your lineup to clean up the branches of the palm trees.

Pros

• Convenient to put together
• Safe to use
• Lightweight
• Provides maximum cutting efficiency

Cons

• It would be best if it comes with a funnel to refill oil

Remington RM1035P Ranger II Pole saw

We bring Remington RM1035P Ranger II at number 3 for its superior cutting capacity, adjustability, power, and usability. 

The Remington RM1035P comes with an 8-amp powerful motor to cut stubborn tree twigs and branches. On top of that, its 10-inch cutting bar & chain allows you to cut thicker limbs with ultimate precision.

Therefore, you can extend the pole up to 10-feet. And in total, you will get 15-feet reachability to trim away overhead branches. 

The best feature we spot out of this pole saw is- the adjustability. You can easily convert the pole saw to a regular saw or chainsaw. With a single click on the button, you can detach the saw from the pole. 

In return, you can use it to reach difficult areas to cut tree branches. Even cutting the down branches will not be a problem anymore. 

Read Full Reviews–Click Here

Moreover, the non-slip grip provides ultimate comfort to cut tree twigs efficiently. 

Pos

• Offer superior cutting efficiency
• Long reachability to cut overhead branches with precision
• Comfortable to cut both up and down tree twigs or limbs
• Efficient to cut thick limbs and branches

Cons

• It gets a bit bulky when you use it in fully extended

Pole saw for tree limbs

Cutting the limb is a daunting task. You can find a lot of trimmers in the

market. But all of them are not efficient to cut thick logs. 

From this chapter, you can learn about two pole saws that are specially

built-in for cutting limbs. 

They are: 

• Greenworks 8.5′ 40V Cordless Pole Saw
• WORX 2-in-1 Attachment Capable WG349 20V Pole Saw

Here we go. 

1-Greenworks 8.5′ 40V Cordless Pole Saw

Greenworks 8.5′ 40V Cordless Pole Saw is our top pick for its ultimate cutting capacity and usability. 

This Greenworks pole saw comes with a 40v battery that generates enough power to cut your yard tree limbs. Indeed, it offers gas-like performance to get an efficient cutting result. 

Afterward, its 8-inch cutting bar and chain allows you to cut thick limbs and tree twigs precisely. Also, an 8-feet extendable shaft provides you enough reachability to trim away overhead branches. 

Therefore, this pole saw comes with an auto-oiling system. As a result, it adds oil while cutting tree branches to keep the chain smooth. It doesn’t only help you to get precise cuts but also extends the life of your pole saw. 

Pros

• Prolong battery life
• Convenient to put together & use
• Provide efficient and precise cuts

Cons

• A bit cumbersome to maneuver when use it fully extended

2-WORX 2-WG349 Pole Saw

We bring WORX WG349 20V Pole Saw for its multi-functionality and ultimate trimming efficiency. 

This multi-functional pole saw comes with an auto-tensioning system. So, you don’t need to worry about what tensioning you cut the tree branches. Also, it doesn’t over tighten the tension. As a result, it extends the life of your pole saw. 

Afterward, the auto-lubrication system helps to get smooth and precise cuts while keeping your chain fully lubricated. 

The best feature we spot out is the three-position head attachment. You can cut through tree twigs in different angles like 0, 15, and 30-degrees. In return, you can effortlessly trim hard-to-reach tree limbs and branches. 

Therefore, you can rotate the handle to 180-degree. So, you don’t need to twist your arm to trim away parallel to the base of the twigs. 

Pros

• 13-feet reachability to cut overhead branches with ease
• Efficient to cut tree twigs from hard-to-reach areas
• Convenient to assemble and use

Cons

• It would be best if the clasps of the pole saw made of durable material

FAQs

Conclusion

I hope this guide on pole saw covers everything you need to know about pole saw. 

Pole saws are a great way to trim branches and limbs without having to use a ladder. They come in different sizes and styles, so you can find one that fits your needs. You can also find cordless pole saws, which are convenient if you need to move around a lot.

Following the step by step guide, you can be a master trimmer. 

Therefore, we also included the maintenance tips. Indeed, we covered everything related to pole saw. 

Now, what you need to do is- just go to the market or search on Amazon. Afterward, pick your dream pole saw for trimming away your yard’s messes. 

Do you have any questions related to trimming or about pole saw use? 

Then, feel free to leave a comment below.