You rarely realize you need a pole saw until you face an overgrown yard. We had a pole pruner for years, but our new home came with ornamental hedges that had grown to about 15 feet and needed more power and reach. A cordless pole saw proved ideal for the job.
We tested the 60V cordless Greenworks pole saw and it handled the work on a single charge. If your property has mature trees or tall hedges, a pole saw is a smart investment. Below are the main benefits we found from using one.
Safety
Ladder falls are one of the most common causes of household injuries. Avoiding ladders whenever possible reduces risk, and a pole saw allows you to trim high branches from the ground instead of climbing up with a hand saw or chainsaw. The Greenworks 60V model extends to about 9 feet, giving most users roughly 12 feet of reach—enough to manage hedges and medium-sized tree limbs without a ladder.
We used it on our hedges and on an orange tree with thicker branches; it made the tasks much easier and safer. Always wear eye protection because debris falls when cutting, and consider gloves and long sleeves to protect your hands and arms from scratches.
No Gas
Battery-powered pole saws eliminate the hassle of mixing gas and oil, reduce fumes, and produce less noise than gas models. The 60V Greenworks lineup provides instant power without the maintenance and emissions associated with gas engines. That makes the work more pleasant for you and less disruptive to neighbors.
Speed
A powered pole saw cuts much faster and with less effort than manual push-pull saws. Manual models can exhaust you quickly and extend project time. The tradeoff is added weight from the motor and battery, but because powered saws finish jobs sooner, overall fatigue is typically lower. The 10-inch bar on the Greenworks model balances cutting capacity with maneuverability, allowing you to reach and trim branches that would otherwise be awkward to handle.
Low Maintenance
Gas chainsaws require regular engine maintenance, but battery-powered pole saws simplify upkeep. With the Greenworks unit, your primary maintenance tasks focus on the chain and lubrication system rather than an engine.
Before use, fill the chain oil reservoir so the automatic oiler can lubricate the chain while cutting. The transparent filler cap makes monitoring oil level straightforward—check it before each session. Also inspect chain tension by pulling the chain downward slightly under the bar; it should snap back into place. Over time chains stretch, so perform this “snap test” regularly and adjust tension with the included tool when needed.
Greenworks 60V System
The Greenworks pole saw uses the brand’s 60V battery platform, compatible with multiple other tools such as mowers, blowers, hedge trimmers, and handheld chainsaws. The included 2.0 Ah battery delivered about 80 cuts through 4×4 treated lumber on a single charge in our testing, so for smaller branches and routine trimming you can expect a generous runtime. That cross-compatibility makes the battery investment more valuable if you own or plan to buy other compatible tools.
Overall, a cordless pole saw like the Greenworks 60V model offers a safer, quieter, and lower-maintenance way to manage tall hedges and tree limbs. For homeowners with larger yards or frequent trimming needs, it’s a practical tool that saves time and reduces the risks associated with ladder work.