Best Telescopic Tree Pruner – A Complete Guide (2022)

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Anyone who has a number of trees or taller hedges in their garden will know the difficulty of trying to reach those top branches when you are trying to prune and tidy your garden! If you are anything like us, then it will usually result in you standing on the edge of a ladder, desperately (and dangerously) trying to reach the last piece! But what if we told you that this didn’t need to be the case? With a telescopic tree pruner you will be able to reach all those hard to access branches, leaving your garden looking neat and tidy once more. 

A telescopic tree pruner is essentially a standard tree pruner but on the end of a long pole. This pole comes with a telescopic design so that it can be shortened as extended as you need it. This makes the tool incredibly practical because it means that you can work with a shorter length when you are tackling closer branches but then extend the pole out when  you are reaching areas that are further away! Not only this but the telescopic pole of the tree pruner makes them much easier to store when you are not using them! 

There are now so many telescopic tree pruners to choose from that it can be a little difficult to know which is going to be the best for you. This article includes all of the best telescopic tree pruners, along with the key aspects you need to think about such as the materials that it is made from and the size that you are going to need. So keep reading to help you get buying! 

Best Pick Telescopic Tree Pruner – DocaPole 24ft

DocaPole 6-24 Foot Pole Pruning Saw // DocaPole Extension Pole + GoSaw Attachment // Use on Pole or By Hand // Long Extension Pole Saw // Telescopic Tree Pruner Pole // Extendable Limb Saw and Trimmer
  • Guaranteed to be the absolute best dual-use pruning saw on the market today. Two great uses in One saw! Use as a pole saw for pruning high or hand-held saw for pruning and grooming low
  • Combined with our best selling 24’ (7m) DocaPole Extension Pole – the DocaPole + GoSaw Combo is the highest reaching pruning pole on the market – for optimal performance, use with 4/5 (or less) pole sections extended – this will provide about 22 feet (8m) of pruning reach when used standing
  • Razor sharp 13-inch (37cm) bi-directional cut w/3X tooth design. Sturdy, lightweight handle with comfort grip
  • Fully assembled and ready to go out of the box.
  • High-quality, aluminum telescoping pole that can be used with a wide variety of attachments and features a standard ACME threaded metal tip

Last update on 2024-04-28 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

In A Hurry? 

If tree pruning season has come round already, or maybe the hedges in your garden are looking rather out of control then stop right here! You don’t need to pay a small fortune for a contractor to come and do the job for you – simply purchase one of these telescopic tree pruners and do the job yourself! It’s that simple! 

Pruning 

The first thing that you need to consider is the actual pruning device that you want on the end of your telescopic pole, as this is going to cut down the selection of pruners that you will have to choose from. Some are going to come with saws on the end, which is great as it means that you will be able to work with a much wider range of branch sizes up to around 20cm for some models! We also love that they are going to be near impossible to break – just remember to sharpen the blade every once in a while! 

TOP TIP: If you do opt for a tree pruner with a saw on the end then make sure to check the quality of the teeth. Models  with 2 or 3 sided teeth are always going to produce a better cut. 

However, your other option is going to be an actual pruning head (like you would find on a standard pruner). Although these are going to slightly limit the thickness of the branch that you are going to be able to cut through, they are going to make it easier to actually cut through the branches that you are working with as you simply pull the cord mechanism to close the blades together. Your final option is tree pruners that come with a pruning head and two telescopic poles so that they are basically a standard pruner but that can be extended. These are going to be much safer methods to work with if you are working up a ladder, than pulling a saw back and forth and will also make the job quicker too! The one real downside is that you have the potential of the mechanism breaking over time and this is something that can be found quite often with cheaper models! Some will only be able to work with branches that are around 3cm in diameter though so this is definitely worth checking for and considering. 

TOP TIP: If you opt for a model with a cord cutting device then make sure to check whether the cord is on the inside or the outside of the pole. Cords on the outside of the pole will be prone to getting stuck on branches whereas the cord on the inside will be tucked away and this helps to avoid any damage. 

Length

When it comes to telescopic tree pruners – size matters! Thanks to the fact that you can shrink the telescopic tree pruner right down, you really have no excuse to not go for the largest model that you can find! 

What it is important to mention first is that you don’t just want to consider the pole size but also the size of the pruner on the end of the pole as well. Some manufacturers will describe the length of the product as being 4m, but this is actually just the length of the pole and you have the additional length of the pruner on the end to add too, others will include it all together at 4m and some manufacturers even include your ARM LENGTH in the measurement. For example, they will say that the telescopic tree pruner has a reach of 4m but this includes your natural arm length, the pole AND the pruner on the end. As you can see, this is massively going to impact what you can actually reach! 

Some are going to get up to 6 metres in length which should give you plenty of reach for taller branches! Others are going to be only around 2 metres but these are better for smaller hedges as these are going to be easier to work with and maneuver. 

TOP TIP: Look out for models that come with poles that can be locked into several different lengths. This will then give you more options than just “short” or “long” so that you can work with a wider range of branch heights! 

Best Budget Telescopic Tree Pruner – Spear and Jackson 4930FZ

No products found.

Build Materials 

What your telescopic tree pruner is made from is massively going to impact on the branches that you will be able to cut and how long you can expect the tool to last for. Here are some recommendations that we could make when looking at the build material: 

  • Chrome coated blades – Not only will this make the blades extra strong and durable, it will also stop them from rusting and help to reduce sap and debris sticking to the blade making them easy to clean. 
  • Teflon coated blades – We all know how good Teflon is for anti-stick pans, so it would make sense that it is good for telescopic tree pruners as well! Some blades are going to be coated in Teflon which is a great way to ensure that the blades push straight through the branches. 
  • Aluminium or steel pole – The telescopic pole needs to be strong and durable, but also relatively light so that you can move around with ease when using the tool. This is why the two best material choices are going to be aluminium or steel. Aluminium is going to be lighter and won’t rust, but it is also not quite as strong. Steel is going to be really strong and long lasting, so is perfect for if you have a number of jobs to complete each year, but unless it is powder coated you do run the risk of rust forming. It is also  going to be the heavier option. 
  • Solid or hollow frame – Your two options are going to be solid or hollow frames. A solid frame is going to be stronger, more durable and able to cut through thicker branches without bending and snapping but they are going to be heavier. A hollow frame is going to be lighter, but definitely won’t be able to cope with the thicker branches!

The Best Telescopic Tree Pruners Have…

Once you have decided on the type and size of tree pruner that you want, it is time to remove any models that you don’t think will make the cut! Here are some of the features that we only found in the best telescopic tree pruners!  

  • Replaceable blades – You don’t want to be replacing the whole tool every time the blades become blunt, so look out for models that have blades that are easy to replace instead. This will save you both time and money! 
  • Comfort grip handles – The best way to reduce fatigue and sores when you are working is to make sure the grip on the end of the tree pruner is good quality! The best grips will be made from rubber st is going to be rubber or foam as these are going to be strong enough to avoid damage and wear but soft enough to allow you to work for hours without hurting your hands. 
  • Telescopic poles – It is always worth checking exactly how the poles extend and retract. Some will be clipped in at different levels so that you will have a choice of different lengths whereas others can simply be twisted in and out and stopped at different lengths. The clip in options are going to be more secure and offer a stronger hold and the twisted methods are going to be easier to adjust between so it really comes down to what is more important for you. 
  • Compound mechanism – Look out for telescopic tree pruners that offer a compound mechanism. This is where both blades are going to close together to maximise the power in each cut rather than just one blade closing on the other. This will literally double the amount of power that you will achieve with each cut. 
  • Weight – Make sure to check the weight of the tree pruner, as this will determine how fatigued you will be working with the telescopic tree pruner for longer periods of time. Some are going to be as little as around one and a half kilograms whereas others will be upwards of three kilograms. 
  • Spare blades – If you are wanting good value for money then look out for models that come with spare blades. This will save you from trying to find compatible blades and also the expense of purchasing new blades! 
  • Multiple cutting options – Some of the best telescopic tree pruners will come with a saw and traditional style pruners are part of one tool! This will give you the best of both worlds and you will be able to quickly get through thinner branches but use a saw for thicker branches. 
  • Multi-directional teeth – If you opt for a telescopic tree pruner that comes with a saw, make sure that the teeth are bi-directional as this will allow you to cut through the branch on both the forward and backward stroke! 

Best of the Rest

Fiskars PowerGear X Telescopic Tree Pruner UPX86, Non-stick Coated, Steel Blade/Aluminium Handle, Length 2.4 - 4 m, Black/Orange, 1023624
  • PowerGear X Telescopic tree pruner for fresh, young shoots, branches, and twigs up to Ø 3.2 cm in treetops and dense shrubs - without the help of a ladder - with a maximum total reach of 6 m when being used
  • Optimized cutting head for extra efficiency and longevity, Adjustable cutting head, up to 230° and fixable in any position for cutting high branches, Clean cuts thanks to non-stick coated upper blade and hardened inner blade, Orange cutting support on the lower blade for better support when cutting the branch
  • Adjustable shaft thanks to telescopic handle that reaches branches at high altitude, Internal cable pull-system on the end handle for optimal power transmission and effortless cutting during long-term work, Optimized extendable handle with non-slip base and wear-resistant coating for a secure and soft grip and high durability
  • Long service life thanks to robust steel blades and aluminium handle, Compatible with Fiskars multi-function cutting saw (1001561) and multi-function cutting fruit picker (1001562), Original spare parts available for sale, Finnish design, 25 years warranty
  • Contents: 1x Fiskars PowerGear X Telescopic Tree Pruner UPX86, Non-stick Coated, Steel Blade/Aluminium Handle, Length 2.4 - 4 m, Black/Orange, UPX86, 1023624

Last update on 2024-04-28 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

Telescopic Tree Pruner Gardening Tool
  • Telescopic Tree Pruner Gardening Tool
  • Brand : NA
  • Product type: GARDEN SHEAR SCISSORS
  • Random
  • garden

Last update on 2024-04-28 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

Telescopic Tree Loppers for Gardening (Anvil Loppers) - Heavy Duty Garden Loppers with Razor-Sharp SK5 Steel Blades - Long Reach Pruner and Branch Cutters - Davaon Pro
  • [ 𝐂𝐔𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇 𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄 ] -These powerful loppers with durable metal anvil slice through hardy branches, woody stems and dead wood up to at least 32mm with little effort required
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  • [ 𝐋𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐄𝐅𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐓 ] - The loppers have been equipped with an advanced compound action mechanism that makes cutting significantly easier, saving you time and effort
  • [ 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐘 𝐒𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐏 ] - The premium SK5 carbon steel blades allow for precision cutting and are less likely to nick. They also require less frequent sharpening, so you can rely on sharp blades for longer
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Last update on 2024-04-28 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

Frequently Asked Questions 

What time of year should I prune my hedges and trees?

Trees should usually be trimmed back either very early spring or in the autumn. This is because this is when you will find that trees are clear from new growth, which is something that you want to avoid cutting! If you see any new growth on your trees or hedges then you should avoid cutting them back for a little longer. 

How often should tree pruner branches be sharpened? 

It really depends how often you use your telescopic tree pruners and the types of branches that you are working on that will determine how often the blades should be sharpened. If you are working mostly with small, softwood branches then you will probably find that the blades only need to be sharpened every couple of years. However, if you are working on thicker, harder branches then you may find you need to sharpen your blades every year. 

How can you stop a tree pruner blade from seizing up? 

Tree pruner blades can seize up, particularly if you are cutting branches as the sap can stick in the blades of the pruner. The best way to avoid this is to make sure that you clean the tree pruner after each use so that the sap does not cause the blades to stick and rust to develop. We would also recommend oiling the moving parts between uses to avoid them from seizing.

About Thomas Paxton 368 Articles
Hey there, I'm Thomas Paxton, your Tool Guru with a Twist! I've been knee-deep in the world of tools since I was a little tinkerer in my dad's shed. Now, I'm running my own website where I share my passion for tools and gardening products through buyers guides and insightful tips. I've got the knowledge and experience to break down complex concepts into simple, easy-to-understand language. I purchased Tools Review from Mike Jones at the start of 2023, he has done a sterling job of building the site and I hope I can continue in his success! When I'm not writing guides, you'll find me in my garden or garage, putting my skills to work and pushing the boundaries of creativity. So, whether you're a pro or just starting out, join me on this adventure, and let's conquer DIY projects together!

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