topic Re: Trimming tree branches.... in Among Friends

Trimming tree branches....

Mom2Dogs — Sat, 17 Jun 2017 20:23:35 GMT

I wanted to purchase a telescoping power saw....QVC sells one, but the reviews are not great...the biggest problem is the unit is top heavy and cutting thru branches, it sounds like it does not do a good job!! What, that is what it is for....I really need to do some trimming higher up in a tree in our yard....any suggestions on a unit that works that is not top heavy?

Re: Trimming tree branches....

hoosieroriginal — Sat, 17 Jun 2017 20:42:51 GMT

The pole saws are top heavy -very difficult to balance while you are trying to trim. I got a Greenworks on HSN - I use it - but it is difficult - does a great job though.

Re: Trimming tree branches....

Mom2Dogs — Sat, 17 Jun 2017 20:48:18 GMT

@hoosieroriginal....so standing on a ladder and using the saw would be a big no? The branches are high up, and it would be me on the ladder, DH is older than me and will not get on a ladder. I so want to clean up the tree and not pay $250 to get it cleaned up.

Re: Trimming tree branches....

Snowpuppy — Sat, 17 Jun 2017 20:59:08 GMT

What is the diameter of the branches that need to be cut?

Anything more than 3" or so, I'd get a pro. You've got all that weight falling and once they're down, you'll likely have to cut them smaller to dispose of.

Re: Trimming tree branches....

Desert Lily — Sat, 17 Jun 2017 20:59:48 GMT

I bought a pole-type trimmer a while back at Home Depot. It's not a power one because I don't think I could handle one like that with the weight and the height. But, the one I bought does a good job. I have a lawn maintainence service, and one of the guys bought one that's larger than mine, and he bought it at Home Depot. Once the branches are down, they still have to be cut into smaller pieces, so mine works for my needs. A lawn and garden center or home improvement center should be able to give you.a selection and information.

Re: Trimming tree branches....

Azcowgirl — Sat, 17 Jun 2017 21:03:09 GMT

I'm in the same boat. I have that saw, but more often these days I grab the pole branch trimmer saw combo that is not powered. Much lighter weight, I go up the ladder and saw away, take a break if I need to, then back to sawing.

I was shocked at what they charge for tree trimming. I have one tree that is head to toe, the nastiest stickers I've ever seen. Had to hire out that job, a couple branches was a couple hundred dollars. Ugh.

Re: Trimming tree branches....

NickNack — Sat, 17 Jun 2017 21:31:17 GMT

I need to have some branches cut away from my roof and also some branches cut back from the bird feeders so the squirrels can't jump on the feeders. I'm going to pay someone to do it though. I would be scared to get on a ladder and try to do it myself. I hate to, but I think it really needs to be done.

Besides the fact that the branches shouldn't hit the roof, I can't feed the birds anymore until I get that branch cut down and I really enjoy sitting out on my porch and watching them.

I hope you're able to find something you can easily handle if that's what you want to do.

Re: Trimming tree branches....

Kachina624 — Sat, 17 Jun 2017 21:47:43 GMT

@Mom2Dogs wrote:
@hoosieroriginal....so standing on a ladder and using the saw would be a big no? The branches are high up, and it would be me on the ladder, DH is older than me and will not get on a ladder. I so want to clean up the tree and not pay $250 to get it cleaned up.

@Mom2Dogs That $250. might be small potatoes compared to what it would cost if something went awry. Power tools are wonderful but can be dangerous for a novice to handle. There are many things I just don't do anymore. I'd either hire someone or live with scraggly branches.

Re: Trimming tree branches....

hoosieroriginal — Sat, 17 Jun 2017 23:02:47 GMT

I believe the instructions say- DO NOT STAND ON LADDER! Seriously - don't. I can hardly stand straight and still on the ground with it - wouldn't even attempt a ladder.

.....Re: Trimming tree branches....

Mom2Dogs — Sat, 17 Jun 2017 23:18:11 GMT

Well fudge....I wanted to do the job myself, I enjoy being outside getting projects done. The three that needs work has been a real pain, it is dirty and grows like a weed. It has been trimmed 2x in just a coupel of years.

At dinner tonight DH and discussed just taking it down.......

Now the next thing I want is an edger for the lawn, anyone one have one of those? Black and Decker makes one that is a reasonable price....it just never ends.

Re: Trimming tree branches....

Nataliesgramma — Sat, 17 Jun 2017 23:36:30 GMT

I got hubby one of the Sun Joe tree trimmer here and he loves it. It is too heavy for me to use though. I can cut up the branches once they are on the ground.

He was going to try using a chain saw on a ladder and when I saw this Sun Joe...I couldn't order it fast enough...

Re: Trimming tree branches....

SeaMaiden — Sun, 18 Jun 2017 00:34:53 GMT

Hire someone. It is safer than you doing it, and they will probably do a better job. It is worth the expense.

Re: Trimming tree branches....

hckynut — Sun, 18 Jun 2017 00:57:01 GMT

@Mom2Dogs

Any pole saw that is going to cut through branches over 1.5 or 2" is going to be top heavy. Just physics not matter how you do the math. The longer the pole, thus the further the weight? Ain't gonna be easy.

If I can't reach a branch from the ground the only way I am going to cut it, is leaning my ladder in a rock solid position against the tree. I cut mine with a reciprocating saw, and it works fine. Not as fast as a chain saw, but less maintenance and I am close to what I am cutting.

With my recently discovered balance issues (my fractured rib), no way I am gonna trust myself with a heavy weight on the end of a long pole. I do that in the winter to clear the snow from our satellite dish on the roof. There however I can rest my forearms on the edge of the roof, and the ladder is leaning against the house.

Can't help you much with this deal. I do use a Fiskers branch cutter and it works for some smaller branches, maybe about 1.4" max. It extends out arms length plus the 4+' of the pole itself. I like this brand for that purpose.

hckynut(john)

Re: Trimming tree branches....

Mom2Dogs — Sun, 18 Jun 2017 01:16:32 GMT

I appreciate the responses...guess am stuck, I will have to have the tree trimmed again...or take it down. It is costing more that the enjoyment we get from it!

Re: Trimming tree branches....

noodleann — Sun, 18 Jun 2017 02:18:41 GMT

I have a pole saw but I'll use it only on relatively small branches, or on a branch I know is attached to a larger dead branch. Reason? You can't undercut the branch the way you really should to prevent the limb from tearing away bark from the tree when it falls, creating a bigger wound than necessary. Maybe someone designs a pole saw with a blade that reverses from serrations on the bottom to serrations on the top to make that possible, but I've never seen it. And maybe physics would work against it anyway.

I have a great tree jockey and save up my tree work until I can get my money's worth from him.

Re: Trimming tree branches....

patbz — Sun, 18 Jun 2017 23:31:32 GMT

Don't know where you live but in my small city off-duty fire fighters often do these kinds of things; why not call your fire station and ask (and you know they have insurance).