DIY Your Landscaping With These Editor-Approved Pruning Saws

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A regular hand saw can suffice for lopping off the occasional tree branch, but if you’re interested in properly pruning your trees and shrubbery, you’re going to need a dedicated pruning saw. These saws are specifically designed for trimming smaller branches cleanly and quickly, and with minimal effort on your part.

The long blades and razor sharp teeth on pruning saws power through wood, and many feature specialized finishes that prevent them from accumulating sticky sap. Available in manual, electric, and pole-mounted versions, there’s a pruning saw for every situation.

Best Pruning Saws

• Best Overall Option: Corona RS 7255 RazorTOOTH

• Best Electric Corded Option: BLACK+DECKER Lopper Chain Saw

• Best Multipurpose Saw: DocaPole GoSaw

• Best for Large Branches: Corona RS 7510D

• Best Pole Saw: Fiskars Power-Lever

What to Consider

Types of Pruning Saws

Manual pruning saws are the cheapest, most compact, and (generally) safest to use, but they do require a decent amount of effort to operate. Electric pruning saws do a lot of the work for you, and are typically more efficient if you’ve got a lot of cutting to do—but their power cords or batteries limit portability and running time.

You should also think about how far off the ground your branches are, and whether a pole-mounted pruning saw is a better choice for your property. Pole saws are available in both manual and electric versions, offering a much safer alternative to climbing a ladder and craning your arms to get the right angle with a hand tool. They take some practice to get used to, but that extra time investment is likely worth the money you’ll save on professional landscaping.

Size

Long blades have more teeth, meaning they’ll remove more wood with each stroke, and cut through thicker branches faster. Bigger isn’t always better though, and if you only need to tackle small branches or limbs, a smaller option might be more convenient.

A good rule of thumb is to choose a blade length that’s at least twice the diameter of the branch you plan on cutting. For example, if you’re cutting a 5-inch diameter branch, go with a 10-inch blade. (This rule doesn’t work as well with electric saws, which, depending on the model, can handle branch diameters up to three quarters of their length.)

How We Evaluated

I’ve used pruning saws for years—personally and as part of a large landscaping crew—and kept this hands-on experience in mind when assembling this list of options. We made sure to include a good balance of sizes and styles, since you may have unique needs based on your current saw collection, as well as your specific tree and bush setup. For those who want a little extra power, we recommend three electric models—two battery-powered and one corded—so regardless of your mobility and portability requirements, there’s an appropriate option. We did our best to keep price in mind, but made sure not to include any ultra-cheap options that aren’t up to our standards.

S 7265D Razortooth Pruning Saw

The triple-ground teeth and 8-inch blade of this saw efficiently power through pruning projects, from smaller twigs to branches up to 4 inches in diameter. I recently used this exact model to cut up kindling and marshmallow roasting sticks for my niece and nephew, and found it to be a real joy to use.

Chrome plating cuts down on friction while cutting, and in conjunction with its ergonomic handle, makes for a comfortable and effective cutting experience. The 9.7-ounce weight is easy to carry around while you work too, and thanks to a handy cutout in the handle, it's easy to hang from a nail or peg in your workshop when you're done.

Lopper Chain Pruning Saw

If you’re looking for more cutting power than a manual saw can provide, this corded electric option from Black+Decker is a great choice. Its unique clamping jaws do most of the work for you, unlike typical chainsaws that require the user to apply pressure as they cut.

The corded power supply makes saw less portable than manual options, but as long as your pruning projects are close by, it won’t be an issue. As with any power saw, be sure to carefully review the safety instructions before starting it up.

DocaPole GoSaw for Pruning

This extra-large saw from Docazoo can be used as either a handheld fixed blade tool, or if you like, attached to a pole to extend your reach. Its 13-inch length makes it perfect for those heavy-duty sawing jobs and triple-sided teeth are designed to cut on both the push and pull stroke, making this an especially efficient saw.

At just 10 ounces, it’s nice and lightweight, and the blade itself features a rust-resistant finish and a chrome coating to reduce friction. The pre-threaded opening will fit all standard threaded poles, although you’ll have to supply your own.

RS 7510D Pruning Saw

If you’re pruning extra-large branches or limbs, do yourself a favor and purchase this 18-inch Corona saw, capable of chewing through branches up to 10 inches in diameter. Its D-shaped handle provides a secure and sturdy grip, allowing you to generate a ton of force while operating it. This saw can even be used two-handed if you need to add even more power to each stroke.

The impulse-hardened teeth are triple-ground for maximum cutting efficiency, and along with the heat-treated Japanese steel blade, are durable enough to last quite a while. The high-visibility handle is another useful perk, ensuring that you won’t misplace it among your trimmings.

Fiskars Power-Lever Pruning Saw

Thanks to an extendable fiberglass pole, this Fiskars saw can reach branches as high as 14 feet. The pole itself is impressively lightweight, and at just 5.8 pounds for the entire unit, is a great option for those who want to minimize unnecessary arm and shoulder fatigue. The oval shape of the pole won’t flex or bend, and it naturally contours to your hand better than round poles.

The power-lever mechanism generates a significant amount of leverage with just the pull of a rope, and a double-locking mechanism ensures that the pole is always locked into place.

Bigboy Pruning Saw

This Silky saw is priced higher than any other manual saws on our list, but if you’re looking for a high-quality tool that glides through branches with ease, it’s worth the investment. The rubber handle provides a secure grip while you work, and its impressive length is convenient to hold with two hands.

The blade features 5.5 triple-ground teeth per inch, and along with its lightweight carbon steel construction, cuts through limbs with minimal effort. A lanyard hole in the handle also makes it easy to store when not in use.

WG320 Power Share JawSaw for Pruning

This battery-powered Worx saw is powerful enough to cut through 4-inch branches with ease, and with no power cord to worry about, can be used practically anywhere. It’s also safer than most other automatic saws, with a retractable blade that only extends when the user activates the trigger. This jaw design keeps hands and feet safely out of harm's way while cutting, and also keeps the teeth from getting damaged during storage.

The auto-tension mechanism also minimizes user maintenance requirements and, by tightening the chain as needed, always cuts as efficiently as possible.

Ichiban GC-330-LH Pruning Saw

Featuring an angled handle, rubber pistol grip, and finger notches, this Samurai saw is well-suited for those who require maximum control while cutting. The hooked butt also prevents your grip from slipping off, even when your hands are sweaty.

The included scabbard and belt loop safely keep the saw at arm’s reach, and the teeth and blade remain protected while you’re not working. The bright red-and-green color scheme also makes this saw easy to spot in a cluttered garage or workshop.

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