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The Best Tree Trimmers
The Best Tree Trimmers. When it comes to trimming trees, green thumbs have a handful of options. Loppers provide a manual trimming option, chainsaws work well for big jobs that require a powerful automatic tool, and pole saws serve as a middle-ground choice and are available in manual and electric models. Ultimately, the consumer chooses the "best"...
When it comes to trimming trees, green thumbs have a handful of options. Loppers provide a manual trimming option, chainsaws work well for big jobs that require a powerful automatic tool, and pole saws serve as a middle-ground choice and are available in manual and electric models. Ultimately, the consumer chooses the "best" tree trimmer for the job based on needs, preferences and budget. Professional opinions help make the choice a little easier.
Loppers
Straight-edged anvil loppers and curved bypass loppers present two choices for manual tree trimming. Bypass loppers tend to cut more cleanly and precisely, making them handy for pruning, while bypass loppers provide the crushing power needed to cut through rough wood. The experts at Smart Gardening recommend Bahco and Felco brand bypass loppers for pruning. These reviewers also give high marks to Spear and Jackson's ratchet loppers and Wilkinson Sword's geared loppers for cutting through thick material, though these loppers are not the best option for dealing with twigs. The professional reviewers at Galt Technology tout the Fiskars Bypass Loppers, noting the model's precision blades and lifetime warranty.
Chainsaws
Chainsaws come in handy for taking off limbs and efficiently cutting through massive thick-leaf clusters. In 2010, Popular Mechanics (PM) named the Stihl MS 290 Farm Boss the "Best Overall" chainsaw, awarding it a five-out-of-five rating. Popular Mechanics touts this saw's clean operation, solid construction and crisp chain brake performance. PM's reviewers also recommend the Echo CS-660P for its simple operation and torque power and the Jonsered CS2159C for its high horsepower output. Consumer Search, an organization that compiles professional reviews, names the Poulan Pro PP35116AVX the "Best Budget Gas Chainsaw" and the Craftsman 34118 the "Best Budget Electric Chainsaw." For battery-powered options, the site recommends the Black and Decker CCS818. It elects the slightly more pricey Husqvarna 316E as the "Best Electric Overall Chainsaw."
Pole Saws
Pole saws, a middle ground between loppers and chainsaws that lend themselves to trimming trees from the ground, come in electric-, gas- and manual-powered options. Galt Technology recommends the Black and Decker 18-Volt Cordless Electric Pole Chainsaw for its adequate power, 14-foot range and cord-free operation. Poulan's Pro 17-inch 32cc 2-Cycle Gas Powered Pole Saw gets high marks from reviewers, who enjoy the saw's automatic lubrication and range of available trimmer attachments. Galt also praises the Silky Telescoping Landscaping Pole Saw--a manual pole saw option--for its 21-foot range and lightweight construction.
