How to Use a Pole Saw and the Safety Tips – Step by Step Guide

Would like to cut branches or limbs of the tree that you can’t touch from the ground? If so, then you need to purchase the right tool for your job that is the pole saw. In this article, We have given a step by step guide and the latest tips and guidance on how to safely use the pole saw for your cutting the branches of the tree. Read on to find out how to use this tool effectively and safely.  And if you’re in the market for a pole saw, take a look at the review page of the best pole saw.

How to Use a Pole Saw

1. Clear the Work Area

The area where you must stand and cut branches or limbs from the tree should be clear of people and property that may be affected and may cause injuries. You want to be sure there are no travel risks because you need to be able to move about quickly and comfortably when you’re traveling. When you operate in a public space, you might even be considering roping off the area to warn other peoples from getting too close.

See also: Top 10 Best Chainsaws to Buy for Cutting Wood

2. Plan Where You Need to Cut

Once you carry your pole saw to the tree, plan yourself where you should make the cuts. You don’t immediately want to start cutting trees or branches without going about the method first. Just take a step back, glance at the entire thing, see the tree position, and find all the branches that you want to cut off. When you have decided how much work is involved, you will then move to the next step.

3. Cut the Lower Branches First

While you are planning the cuts, you need to find out how you’re going to reach the highest branches that need to be removed. This suggests, more often than not, getting rid of the lower limbs first. Removing the lower limbs on the tree would ensure sure you have a direct way to create straight and secure cuts in the higher branches you want to cut. So, make a plan to cut the lower branches or limbs off of the tree first. Then work your way up to the higher pieces of wood.

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4. Position Yourself Correctly

The best location to use a pole saw is to stand off to the branch’s side and not directly below it. This position will reduce the injury chances as the wood comes falls off the tree. Make sure you can hold the end of your pole saw at chest level too. You want the pole saw to be at an angle while you cut. So maybe you need to adjust the pole saw to make sure it’s the correct length that we will cover in the next step.

5. Adjust the Pole Saw Length

This really is the best time to make changes your pole saw to the right height after you’ve got yourself in the right position and before you begin cutting. To determine how you adjust the length of your saw, consult the owner’s manual. Then expand the pole looked out so the saw blade would reach the lowest branch when holding the pole at a chest-height point.

6. Position the Pole Saw Blade

Using your both hands, move the pole saw to the tree branch which you need to cut. Stop there for a point, and make sure the overall weight of the pole saw is controlled. Once you feel comfortable and in control, move the blade of the pole saw so it rests on the branch ‘s weight.

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7. Starting the Cut

The first strokes of your cutting should be slow and regulated. Cutting a branch right off with full speed can result in the blade slipping around and trying to make the cutting process more difficult. So, creating a groove within the wood is a good idea. Cutting the limbs is different. They’re so thin that you can just cut them quickly. You’ll want to cut very slowly at first, to create a groove in a branch. Tapping the throttle with your finger or lightly trying to push it in can help to create the initial groove in the wood. This groove will help lead you later on for the quick strokes you can make. Be careful to anticipate the saw will slip sideways when making these first cuts, particularly if the branch is sloped.

8. Finishing the Cut

Once you have created a groove and your saw is stable, then you can enhance the speed and effectiveness of your stroke. Just keep an eye on the branch as your cuts bite deeper. You may stand to the side, but it can still fall in ways that are unpredictable. Be sure you will move out of the way to avoid an injury.

See also: How to use an electric chainsaw (step-by-step guide)

9. Clean Up the Work Area

It’s a smart idea to move it out of the way when taking the next cut until the branch has dropped to the ground. You don’t want to travel and cut certain branches and limbs while you reposition yourself across the tree.

10. Prepare for the Next Cut

When the first branch has been removed you need to get into place for the next cut. Note to first chop off all the lower branches, then move on to bigger ones. Just as before, make sure you stand off to the side of the branch you need to cut. Position your pole saw so that the end of the pole is at the height of the chest and the blade reaches the branch. Next, position the blade of the saw vertically against the branch so it is in the position of cutting. When you have your blade in place, you can then cut your groove.

You can increase the sawing speed before you cut through the wood after the groove cut is finished. Start moving it out of the way until the branch hits the ground. Proceed through these steps before all branches required to be removed have done so.

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Pole Saw Safety Tips

When it comes to the use of a pole-saw, you should always focus on safety. Here’s how to be as secure as possible when you’re using a pole saw:

  • Wear the correct safety equipment for chainsawing, including a helmet or hard hat, gloves, eye protection, boots, and clean clothing
  • Before each cut ensure the chain was properly oiled.
  • Just cut when it’s easier to see during the day.
  • In rainy or wet weather, don’t use your pole saw, particularly if you have an electric pole saw.
  • Cut one branch at a time. Never try to cut to branches in the same pass.
  • Remove the fallen branch before completing the next branch
  • Be aware of spring back when a limb or branch is under tension. This happens when you release that tension and the wood can snap back into unpredictable ways during cutting. When a branch is under severe tension, try first performing an undercut which is around halfway through the woods. Then from the top cut. This approach will reduce the force on the spring back.
  • Be ready for a kickback when pruning with a pole chainsaw. Kickback occurs when a hard surface is scratched by the blade tip, or where the chain is pinched. These incidents can send a backward rising blade of the pole saw. So make sure when using it, you have good control over the tool.
  • If the branches are over 8 inches thicker you need to contact a professional.
  • Never attempt to cut branches that are near to or above power lines. For this type of removal kindly call a professional.

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Final Thoughts:

As you have learned, pole saws are not that hard to use as a tool. However, you would need to take a few steps to properly and effectively utilize a pole-saw. Like something you do for the first time, it can be a little challenging to use a pole saw at the start.

But after you get used to how the tool works, and understand what it takes to keep the chainsaw head at the end of a pole well positioned, you’ll be able to cut branches and limbs much faster.

Another thing to keep in mind is avoiding use a pole saw to cut down branches or cut up firewood. You’ll want to use a standard chainsaw for those tasks. If you don’t have a chainsaw or want to upgrade an existing power tool, check out my top reviews on the chainsaw.