Pro tip: picking a handsaw over a chainsaw for those tight backyard jobs

I know most guys in this trade grab a chainsaw for pretty much everything down to a 4 inch branch. But after a job in Portland last spring, I switched to a silky saw for all the pruning work under 6 inches. The homeowner had this super tight space between a fence and a big old maple, and my chainsaw just couldnt fit without risking the fence. I spent 45 minutes with that handsaw making clean cuts, and honestly, it was quieter and safer with no oil mess. The client even said, 'I've never seen an arborist work that carefully before.' Now I keep the chainsaw for the big stuff, but that handsaw stays on my belt for the close-up cuts. Has anyone else found a specific tool that changed how you handle cramped residential spots?

2 comments

2 Comments

grant5691d ago

45 minutes for a single branch sounds like a lot.

holly_flores791d ago

My cousin spent 3 hours on a single branch last weekend, so I totally get where you're coming from. 45 minutes sounds like a lot but honestly it depends on what you're doing. If you're trying to get every single leaf perfect or dealing with a really thick branch, that time adds up fast. I've definitely had days where I look up and realize an hour went by on one stupid twig. Feels bad but sometimes you just gotta be patient.