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Keeping your yard tidy requires more than one tool, and a trusty pruning saw is among the best for trimming small branches and shrubs. Pruning saws are well suited to cutting branches too thick for pruning shears or loppers to handle, and they’re ideal when working overhead because they require just one hand to operate.
What constitutes the best pruning saw will depend on the user and the type of trimming tasks undertaken. Michael Clark, landscape architect, horticulturist, and founder of Yardwork, an online plant and landscaping platform, says that the number of teeth a saw has per inch is a main feature to consider: “Most larger curved saws have less teeth per inch, about 5 to 7, leaving a rougher cut, whereas smaller, straight saws tend to have more teeth per inch, between 7 and 8, providing a more precise, clean cut.”
To help consumers choose the right teeth per inch, saw type, and blade length, we tested a host of popular models, judging them by our stringent standards. Our favorite was the Fiskars 15″ Power Tooth Softgrip D-Handle Saw because of its efficacy, durability, and value. Ahead, read our individual reviews for performance details on our lineup of top models and learn what to look for when choosing the best pruning saw for your needs.
- BEST OVERALL: Fiskars 15″ Power Tooth Softgrip D-Handle Saw
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Rexbeti 8″ Folding Saw
↓ Jump to Review - BEST SAW GRIP: Corona 18″ D-Handled RazorTooth Saw
↓ Jump to Review - BEST POLE MOUNT: Corona 10′ DualLink Tree Saw and Pruner
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOLDING: Felco 600 Pull-Stroke Pruning Saw
↓ Jump to Review - BEST WITH SCABBARD: Kanzawa Samurai Ichiban 13″ Curved Pruning Saw
↓ Jump to Review - BEST ON-THE-GO: Flora Guard Folding Hand Saw
↓ Jump to Review - BEST EXTENSION: Fiskars Pruning Stik Extendable Tree Pruner
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR LANDSCAPERS: Silky Saws Zubat Professional 330mm Hand Saw
↓ Jump to Review
| Testing Stats | |
| Products tested | 10 |
| Time spent testing | 20 hours |
| Tests performed | 4 |
| Price range | $15 to $150 |
Our Top Picks
To qualify as a top pick, a pruning saw must be durable and well made with a sharp, high-quality blade. Check out our product reviews to learn more about how these tree trimming tools performed in our tests.
Best Overall
Fiskars 15" Power Tooth Softgrip D-Handle Saw
Our Ratings: Efficacy 5/5;Ease of Use 4.5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Blade length: 15 inches
- Teeth per inch: 6
- Weight: 13.4 ounces
What We Like
- Fast 2-way cutting action with chrome-plated steel blade
- Comfortable nonslip grip
- Handle engineered for both undercutting and top cutting
What We Don’t Like
- Too large for tight spaces
With a 15-inch curved blade made from precision-ground steel, the Fiskars pruning saw offers impressive durability and strength. The gently curved blade is well suited to trimming away branches both overhead and in low areas. Its straight teeth can cut on both the push or pull stroke, making it great for sharp, clean cuts.
A nonslip ergonomic handle and light weight of less than a pound reduce hand and arm fatigue, and a pistol grip allows for added control. With the attached handle, the entire saw measures 21.62 inches long.
In our tests, the Fiskars 15-inch pruning saw was sharp and fast, thanks to its two-way cutting action. The blade offered adequate flexibility with good rigidity to resist buckling on the push stroke. While fairly lightweight and maneuverable, it did not fit well into smaller branch crotch areas, so we recommend using it with a pair of the best loppers for removing any 1- to 2-inch branches. A good saw for maintaining established trees and shrubs, it would also come in handy when camping. Be sure to buy a scabbard (sold separately) to store the saw safely.
Get the Fiskars Power Tooth pruning saw at Amazon, Ace Hardware,Walmart, or Blain’s Farm & Fleet.
Best Bang For The Buck
Rexbeti 8" Folding Saw
Our Ratings: Efficacy 4/5;Ease of Use 4.5/5; Durability 3/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Blade length: 8 inches
- Teeth per inch: 7
- Weight: 9.76 ounces
What We Like
- Great value for less frequent pruning
- Capable cutter for branches 1 to 5 inches thick
- Nonslip handle and secure blade lock for safety
What We Don’t Like
- Some play in blade pivot on tested model
Weekend landscapers need not spend a fortune for a good-quality pruning saw to get unruly shrubs in shape. The affordable Rexbeti pruning saw has a straight 8-inch blade with wide-set 7-teeth-per-inch (TPI) construction to make quick work of trimming away unwanted branches. The Rexbeti saw blade is made from durable SK-5 steel for long-lasting sharpness and durability.
This pruning saw cuts on either a pull or push stroke and features a nonslip, rubbery grip for comfort. When not in use, the saw blade folds away in the handle, making it easy to carry in a backpack or on a tool belt.
Out of the box, this Rexbeti foldable hand saw failed to make a positive first impression. Frankly, it looked cheap, and the one we tested even had a small amount of play in the blade pivot. But in action, it performed quite well. The somewhat stiff blade made smooth, quick cuts on branches up to 5 inches thick, including some in narrow crotches. The locking mechanism easily operated one-handed. Even the grip was more comfortable than it appeared initially. While we’re not confident that this saw will last through many seasons of tough use, at this price, it’s a solid value purchase with good upside potential.
Get the Rexbeti pruning saw at Amazon.
Best Saw Grip
Corona 18" D-Handled RazorTooth Saw
Our Ratings: Efficacy 5/5;Ease of Use 4.5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Blade length: 18 inches
- Teeth per inch: 5
- Weight: 1.5 pounds
What We Like
- Capable of making big, fast cuts
- Comfortable ergonomic handle
- Strong, fairly stiff blade
What We Don’t Like
- Longevity could be compromised by the low tooth count
- No scabbard included
The Corona RazorTooth saw is a powerful tool designed to cut substantially sized branches. Its ergonomic grip is reminiscent of saws used to hand-cut lumber, and it puts the user’s wrist in a straight position while sawing to maximize power. An ample 18-inch blade can handle heavy-duty jobs, and it’s made from SK-5 impulse-hardened steel to resist dulling. A chrome coating adds further rust resistance and performance. From handle to blade tip, the saw measures a total of 23.2 inches, making this pruning saw well suited to the hobby orchardist or frequent tree trimmer.
In testing, the Corona 18-inch RazorTooth pruning saw lived up to its promises. We loved how it cruised through big cuts up to 10 inches thick, moving quickly and smoothly without flexing or binding midstroke. The handle construction was comfortable for making undercuts as well. At just 5 TPI, it pleasantly surprised us with its cutting power (though we still question how its longevity will compare with saws with 6 or 7 TPI). The only real complaint is that it does not come with a scabbard, an absolute necessity with a blade of this size and aggressiveness.
Get the Corona 18-inch pruning saw at Amazon, Lowe’s, Tractor Supply Co., and The Home Depot.
Best Pole Mount
Corona 10' DualLink Tree Saw and Pruner
Our Ratings: Efficacy 4.5/5;Ease of Use 4/5; Durability 4/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Blade length: 12 inches
- Teeth per inch: 6
- Weight: 2.3 pounds
What We Like
- DualLink shear cleanly cuts branches up to 1 inch
- Saw blade cuts branches 1 to 8 inches
- Features a useful 10-foot reach
What We Don’t Like
- Shear rope gets in the way while sawing
- No angle adjustment for the saw blade
For greater reach, the Corona DualLink pole pruner saw is built with an adjustable two-section fiberglass pole that extends up to 10 feet. The removable 12-inch triple-ground saw blade quickly cuts through branches up to 8 inches thick. A dual-link rope-operated pulley system delivers extra cutting power to the 1-inch pruning shear for easier, cleaner cutting action.
Truly effective and remarkably affordable, Corona’s pole saw for tree trimming worked as advertised. In testing, we found that it had good reach but wasn’t unwieldy, and the extended pole saw was fairly secure despite some minor slippage as we familiarized ourselves with the tool. The removable saw blade is very sharp and fixed at an all-purpose angle that works for most circumstances. The dual-link power assist for the pruning shear works well, but we foresaw that it might get in the way where branch density is thick. Overall, we consider this an excellent tool for the price.
Get the Corona 10-foot pruning saw at Amazon.
Best Folding
Felco 600 Pull-Stroke Pruning Saw
Our Ratings: Efficacy 5/5;Ease of Use 4.5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Blade length: 5.91 inches
- Teeth per inch: 6
- Weight: 7.8 ounces
What We Like
- Compact size ideal for pocket carrying
- Tapered, chrome-plated steel blade with aggressive tooth design
- Comfortable, rubberized handle with secure thumb lock
What We Don’t Like
- Only cuts branches up to about 4 inches thick
Felco is world-renowned for pruners, especially the legendary model F-2 that enjoys enduring loyalty among nursery and landscape pros. So, it’s no surprise that the company offers a complementary tool for slightly thicker branches. With its nearly 6-inch blade, the Felco 600 folding pruning saw is the smallest in our lineup, and it comfortably fits in a back pocket or belt scabbard (sold separately). This portable pruning saw makes for fast, easy removal of branches up to about 4 inches in diameter. Though small, it boasts high-quality features such as a high-quality chrome-plated hardened steel blade that tapers away from the teeth. It offers excellent resistance to sap buildup, rust, and binding. The rubberized handle makes a comfortable anti-slip grip.
For routine yard maintenance or minor trail clearing while backpacking, the Felco 600 gets the job done. Our overall impression was of rugged durability and high quality—just what we expected from a brand known for its professional tools. It made smooth, aggressive cuts in dried-out dead hardwood as well as in sappy young pine without getting clogged teeth. The size was perfect for pocket carrying while walking around. The grip felt good, and the thumb lock was smooth, secure, and easy to use. Another plus: The bright red handle was easy to find when we almost lost it in a wooded area.
Get the Felco pruning saw at Amazon.
Best With Scabbard
Kanzawa Samurai Ichiban 13" Curved Pruning Saw
Our Ratings: Efficacy 5/5;Ease of Use 4.5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Blade length: 13 inches
- Teeth per inch: 6.5
- Weight: 12.8 ounces
What We Like
- Ergonomic, nonslip grip
- Comes with a scabbard
- Tapered chrome-plated steel blade with hardened teeth
- Smooth, fast cuts without binding or clogging
What We Don’t Like
- Blade sometimes bends on the push stroke
This chrome-plated, rust-resistant pruning saw from Kanzawa comes with a protective scabbard to keep the blade in good shape and protect users from injuries. The tool’s curved, impulse-hardened steel blade makes overhead cutting easier, while a padded, nonslip ergonomic handle is designed to reduce hand fatigue. This saw cuts on the pull stroke, and it creates the smooth, precise end cuts that are desirable on living trees. From the tip of the blade to the end of the handle, the Samurai Ichiban pruning saw measures 20.5 inches.
We appreciated the excellent material quality of this curved pruning saw. Its lightweight, flexible blade is tapered so that the teeth are wider than the spine, which gives it smooth movement in deep cuts. The teeth didn’t clog, nor did sap build up on the sides of the blade. We also found the grip notably comfortable. On a few occasions, the blade flexed on the push (noncutting) stroke. This disrupted the sawing rhythm and didn’t happen on other saws we tested. That small issue aside, the saw’s high-quality materials and smooth, comfortable operation make it a smart pick for consistent use over many seasons.
Get the Kanzawa pruning saw at Amazon.
Best On-the-go
Flora Guard Folding Hand Saw
Our Ratings: Efficacy 4.5/5;Ease of Use 4/5; Durability 4/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Blade length: 8 inches
- Teeth per inch: 6
- Weight: 15.8 ounces
What We Like
- Great value for the price
- SK-5 carbon steel blade
- Folds for easy storage and transport
What We Don’t Like
- Heavy for its size
- Stiff blade is subject to binding and clogging
Although it’s just 8 inches long, the anti-rust, low-friction steel blade on this folding pruning saw handled 4-inch branches in our tests with ease. The Flora Guard cuts on both the push and pull strokes, making it ideal for quickly trimming away smaller branches.
A padded, nonslip ergonomic handle makes it easy to grasp the saw firmly, while a secure locking button keeps the blade from unfolding when stored. The button also locks the blade at various angles for cutting in tight spots. The end of the handle comes with an eyelet that can be used with a clip to hold the saw on a belt loop.
For a budget-priced saw, this Flora Guard folding saw performed relatively well in our tests. Although the blade was subject to occasional binding and some sap buildup, these were only minor inconveniences. The saw felt good in the hand, and the cuts were mostly clean and quick. We didn’t love the knuckle guard, but it does provide some protection from branches and prevents the saw from accidentally closing across the back of the fingers. This would make a convenient backup saw to keep in the tool box for occasional or impromptu work.
Get the Flora Guard pruning saw at Amazon.
Best Extension
Fiskars Pruning Stik Extendable Tree Pruner
Our Ratings: Efficacy 5/5;Ease of Use 4.5/5; Durability 4/5; Value 3.5/5
Product Specs
- Blade length: 15 inches
- Teeth per inch: 3
- Weight: 4.34 pounds
What We Like
- Lightweight pole pruner
- Use to saw or shear
- Substantial 12-foot reach
What We Don’t Like
- Detachable saw seems something of an afterthought
Those who have used a manual pole pruner are familiar with the string-operated shear for removing thin branches. Unfortunately, the string can become an obstacle when it’s time to use the pruning saw. Fiskars solved this problem in its Pruning Stik. This extendable model features a lightweight, adjustable-length aluminum pole with a nylon web strap that operates the shear built into the pole structure.
A sliding handle on the pole’s base section controls the rugged chain-driven shear, and the shear itself rotates nearly 230 degrees at the tip of the pole. The removable 15-inch saw blade mounts to the pole using its own independent bracket. Without the saw blade attached, the shear can easily reach congested, branchy tree canopies. For larger branches, it takes less than a minute to attach the saw and adjust it to one of four cutting angles.
We enjoyed testing the unique design features of this pole pruner. The lack of an external string and levers to control the shear made it incredibly articulate and manageable in hard-to-reach areas. The saw blade itself made nice, clean cuts with a moderate to high level of aggression and zero binding. We were also impressed by the security of the adjustment lock. Once set in a position, it stayed put through every cut and angle. Undercuts were awkward, as is the case with most pole pruners. Overall, the tool was easy to use, reliable, and made high-reach pruning easier than with conventional pole pruners.
Get the Fiskars Pruning Stik pruning saw at Amazon.
Best For Landscapers
Silky Saws Zubat Professional 330mm Hand Saw
Our Ratings: Efficacy 5/5;Ease of Use 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Blade length: 13 inches
- Teeth per inch: 6.4
- Weight: 1.02 pounds
What We Like
- Replaceable high-grade steel blade
- Hard-plastic scabbard with dual rollers and removable belt clip
- Ergonomic rubber pistol-style grip
What We Don’t Like
- Premium price
Regardless of whether it’s for a landscape crew or for the gardener who’s in the market for a tough, sharp saw built for all-day use, the Silky Zubat is a great choice. This lightweight saw weighs about a pound, and it features a rubber pistol-style grip that feels good in the hand. It has a fast-cutting 13-inch curved blade with hardened teeth and a tapered spine, a rugged plastic scabbard with dual rollers, and a detachable belt loop. When the blade eventually wears out, it is easy to replace by removing two screws in the handle.
In our tests, the Silky Zubat operated as advertised. The handle was super comfortable and attached to the blade at just the right angle for efficient cutting. The narrow blade cut both dry hardwood and sappy softwood extremely well without binding or clogging. It’s curved just enough to dig into the cut quickly while allowing for long, smooth strokes. We also liked that the saw “clicks” into place when fully seated into the scabbard. We would have awarded this one Best Overall if not for the much higher price point.
Get the Silky Zubat pruning saw at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Silky Saws.
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Pruning Saws
To choose top pruning saws for our tests, we looked at respected brands like Fiskars, Corona, and Felco. We researched different types of saws to ensure we included options for various branch diameters and heights. We also looked for tools with long and short blades as well as curved and straight options. Additionally, we ordered models with both forward-sloping and backward-sloping blade teeth to see if either type was easier to use or more effective. Finally, we were careful to include models with different weights and handle types so we could evaluate the comfort of using them over time.
Once our lineup arrived, we used each option to cut branches of varying diameters and at various heights. We trimmed underbrush and overhead branches, taking note of how quickly and easily each product cut at the angles required for these tasks. Finally, we dropped each tool several times on a hard surface and evaluated any resulting blade or handle damage and whether the closing or locking mechanisms still worked as expected.
What to Consider When Choosing a Pruning Saw
Trimming trees and shrubs does more than just make them look attractive—removing dead or diseased branches is key to keeping them healthy. In addition, some shrubs and trees have such a dense growth pattern that removing a few branches will improve air circulation for better growth.
Pruning saws come in a handful of types to give trees and shrubs the grooming they need. Some are designed to trim thick branches, while others are more suitable for narrower stems. A few factors are worth considering when choosing one to keep your greenery looking great.
Types
While pruning saws all have the same purpose—to allow the user to quickly and efficiently sever a branch—differences in design make some types better than others for specific trimming chores and avoiding pruning mistakes.
- Hand saws: Also called nonfolding saws, these tools are what most envision when thinking of a pruning saw. A hand saw features a nonfolding blade that can be straight or slightly curved and comes in various lengths.
- Folding: Handy for keeping in a tool box or tool pouch without worrying about grabbing a sharp blade, folding pruning saws lock into a straight position for work and then fold for safe storage.
- Pole: For reaching upper limbs, a pole pruning saw is just the ticket. It allows the user to extend the blade by expanding a telescoping pole or attaching an independent utility pole to the saw.
- Powered: Whether run by rechargeable batteries or a cord, a cordless pruning saw or corded electric pruning saw makes trimming a breeze. The only physical labor required is to position the saw and gather the branches once they fall.
Blade
When it comes to pruning saws, the saw blade is the star of the show. Specific materials and blade configurations will determine the quality and best usage.
- Length: Blade length on pruning saws ranges between 3 and 15 inches, with 6 and 9 inches being the most common. “When choosing a pruning saw, you’ll want to consider the size of the wood that you need to cut since the thickness of the wood a pruning saw can cut is determined by its length,” says Clark. “Longer saws cut thicker wood more easily than shorter saws.”
- Curved or straight: A pruning saw with a straight blade is well suited to making cuts near your torso or waist because that’s where you can generate the most power. Curved blades are better suited to making overhead or low cuts because the curved blade helps hold the saw in place.
- Material: Most pruning saw blades are made from steel and high-carbon steel. In general, the more carbon in the steel, the harder the blade will be. High-carbon steel is prone to rusting over time, however, so the blade should be coated or plated to protect it. Impulse-hardened steel is among the most robust processes for making saw blades, and it results in saw teeth that remain sharper for longer.
Teeth
The tooth configuration on a pruning saw blade will determine whether it cuts with a pulling action, pushing action, or both. If the teeth slope forward, the blade cuts on the pull stroke; if they slope backward, it cuts on the push stroke. If the teeth extend straight out, the blade will cut on either the push or pull stroke.
The number of teeth is also a performance factor. Some pruning saws are labeled by the TPI, and most pruning saws have between 3 and 24 TPI. The lower the TPI, the quicker and more aggressively the blade will cut, but it can leave rough ends on the branch. The higher the TPI, the longer it takes to cut, but the smoother the cut branch will be.
Handle
How long the user can prune branches without suffering from hand fatigue depends significantly on the saw’s handle. A high-quality ergonomic grip is designed to fit the shape of the hand to reduce fatigue and soreness. A nonslip grip is also desirable for comfort and safety.
Pruning saw handles often feature pistol grips, whereby the user’s hand wraps over the handle with the fingers beneath. This is suitable for most pruning tasks, but a traditional saw grip allows the user to use push or pull force for bigger cutting tasks.
Weight
The best weight for a pruning saw will depend on the user. Saw weight varies from a few ounces to about 3 pounds or more. The heavier a saw is, the more stable it will be, but the more quickly it will lead to hand and arm fatigue, especially if used overhead. Lightweight pruning saws are easier to maneuver, but the user may need to exert more downward pressure when sawing to cut through a branch.
Safety Features
All saw blades are sharp and present a risk of injury, especially powered models, so it’s smart to review how to use a saw properly before beginning. Nonpowered pruning saws are safer, but grabbing a sharp blade when digging for a tool in a tool box can still be a painful experience. For that reason, some pruning saw manufacturers include a locking mechanism on folding saws to keep the blade safely tucked away until it’s ready to use. Other pruning saws may come with a scabbard or a sheath that allows the user to store the pruning saw safely in its case—often on a belt loop—for quick retrieval.
Tips for Using a Pruning Saw
A good-quality pruning saw enables clean cuts for shaping trees and shrubs, but a few tips can make the project quicker, safer, and simpler. Before getting started, be sure to wear the correct gear: work gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and protective eyewear.
- Put gravity to work for you and cut from the top of a branch downward.
- To keep a heavy branch from experiencing a jagged tear at the bottom when completing the cut, saw a notch on the bottom of the branch with the pruning saw. Then, when the pruning saw nears the notch, the branch will break away in the notch rather than pulling and tearing off a ragged section of bark.
- Cut with quick, brisk strokes to keep the blade from becoming lodged in the cut.
FAQs
At some point, most trees and shrubs need a little pruning to keep them healthy and looking good. For those who may be familiar with pruning shears or loppers but are ready to move up to a more aggressive cutting tool, some questions about pruning saws are to be expected. Answers to some of the most common appear below.
As a general rule, choose a pruning saw with a blade double the diameter of the branches you’ll be cutting. For example, choose a saw with at least a 10-inch blade to cut branches up to 5 inches in diameter.
A curved design makes it easier to saw through low branches as well as those that are overhead.
A lot of today’s pruning saws cannot be sharpened. This is because they’re made from carbon steel and plated to reduce rusting. Sharpening would remove the plating.
Wipe the blade down to remove any sap or residue after use and then dry the blade. Optional: Apply a thin layer of mineral oil to the saw blade to protect it before storing it over the winter.
Tree trimming involves cutting away branches for non-health-related reasons, such as opening up a sight line or creating additional space for a lawn mower. Tree pruning equipment is used to remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches to maintain the tree’s health.
