When people ask how long a pole saw is, they’re really asking two things: how long the actual pole extends and how far it lets them reach into the trees. As someone who has spent years pruning oaks and clearing dead limbs from maple canopies, I can tell you, understanding that “working reach” includes your height is just as important as knowing the tool’s specs. A longer pole saw doesn’t just mean you can cut higher; it also affects control, weight balance, and, most importantly, safety.
“Most accidents with pole saws happen not because of the blade, but because people overreach beyond what’s practical.” — Greg Hartman, Certified Arborist
What Are the Typical Pole Saw Lengths by Type?
Pole saws vary widely in length depending on whether they’re manual or powered. Understanding the range helps you match the right tool to your task.
How Long Are Manual Telescoping Pole Saws?
Manual models often start at around 6 feet and can telescope up to 18 feet or more. Some premium tools like the Extend‑A‑Reach series can even stretch close to 30 feet. These are great when you need maximum height and don’t mind doing the cutting by hand.
How Long Are Powered Pole Saws?
Electric or gas-powered pole saws usually offer poles that extend from 8 to 13 feet. When you factor in the user’s height, this gives a working reach of up to 17 feet. The EGO carbon-fiber model is a standout here, with some setups extending to a real-world reach of 17 feet.
What’s the Difference Between Pole Length and Working Reach?
The key metric isn’t just the length of the pole; it’s how high you can safely cut while standing on the ground. Add about 4 to 6 feet (your own height and arm reach) to whatever the tool specs list. But be cautious: most experts advise against pruning much above 15 feet without added support.
“After about 15 feet overhead, you lose finesse and gain risk. That’s when you should start thinking about lifts or ladders.” — Rachel Lin, Tree Equipment Specialist at ArborLine Tools
How Do You Choose the Right Pole Saw Length?
For Occasional Home Use
If you’re a homeowner trimming smaller trees or mid-sized branches, a working reach of 10 to 15 feet usually covers everything. Most electric models fall into this category.
For Tall Trees or Professional Work
Need to handle taller trees like sycamores or poplars? You’ll want manual tools that reach up to 25 or 30 feet, or pro-grade powered saws with extensions that give you at least 17 feet of reach.
Considering Weight and Handling
The longer the pole, the harder it is to manage. Once you cross the 8-foot mark, weight and vibration start to affect comfort. Extended poles are best paired with harnesses or used in shorter bursts.
What Are the Safety and Practical Limits?
From a safety standpoint, it’s best to keep your cuts under 15 feet high. Beyond that, accuracy drops and fatigue increases. If you need to prune higher, don’t push the pole; rather, get a professional or use a lift.
Final Takeaways
A manual pole saw can extend up to 30 feet, while most powered ones max out at about 17 feet of reach. But the sweet spot for most homeowners lies in that 10–15 foot working range. Always factor in your own height and comfort level before going bigger. Sometimes reaching higher safely just means knowing when to call in help.
his personal experience and loves to share their nitty gritty details with his audience.
Although Richard does focus on other home improvement tools, his focus remains on cutting fallen trees or maintaining his backyard via chainsaw tools. He pledges to come up with new knowledge about chainsaws every once in a while.
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