Last Updated on 2022-02-15 by Harry Masterton
Staring out into the yard wondering what’s the best reciprocating saw for pruning trees? The very best reviewed plus the blades to prune trim & cut like a pro!
We’ve all had a lot yard work and tidying up to do, normally over the weekend, with trees branches to trim and cut and wind fall to clear away.
That’s before we start to mow the grass!
If you’re looking for the simplest most convenient solution then a reciprocating saw fitted with a reciprocating saw blade for tree cutting, trimming branches and pruning will get through that work fast.
It doesn’t matter whether its spring, fall or storm season if you’ve got small to medium sized trees and large shrubs and bushes they need looking after.
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- Best Professional Reciprocating Saw For Pruning
- One Handed Reciprocating Saw For Pruning Trees
- Best Reciprocating Saw For Trees Under $100
- Best Budget Reciprocating Saw For Puning Trees
- Budget One Handed Reciprocating Saw For Pruning Trees
- Reciprocating Saw Blade For Tree Cutting
Trimming and cutting split and fallen limbs and pruning trees in a larger yard can be a task that takes up a lot of your time. And we all need to save time and effort, especially when it come to yard work.
Without a doubt the one power tool in your workshop that you’ll find the most versatile in your yard is the Sawzall or reciprocating saw so we have reviewed the best reciprocating saw for pruning trees in several different categories.
Best Reciprocating Saw For Pruning Trees – A Complete Rundown
Before we look at the different types of reciprocating saw so that we can decide which is the best reciprocating saw for pruning trees for your yard let’s take a quick look at the inevitable comparison that’s going to jump straight out at us, which is the best reciprocating saw for trees corded vs cordless?
Reciprocating Saw For Trees Corded Vs Cordless
Well unless you’re working close to the house or workshop and don’t want yards of cord and extensions leads trailing behind you then the obvious answer for trimming branches, pruning trees and even cutting trees themselves has to be that a cordless reciprocating saw is the one to go for.
Given that today’s cordless reciprocating saws especially with brushless motors are just as powerful as their corded Sawzall counterparts its an easy choice to make for tree pruning and yard work.
Best Reciprocating Saw For Pruning Trees One Handed vs Two Handed
We’ve given a lot of thought to the reciprocating saw or Sawzall one handed or two handed debate that tends to go on between hobbyist and professional arborists.
The two handed Sawzall comes into its own when you’re cutting or trimming large tree branches or limbs with the added power and stroke length a reciprocating saw such as the incredible Milwaukee 2720-20 M18 SAWZALL offers.
Where a one handed reciprocating saw comes into its own is when you’re pruning light weight tree branches or thinning out one of your favorite decorative shrubs.
If you’ve got lots of small wind fall lying around the yard from a recent storm or wind then the one handed reciprocating saw is difficult to beat for versatility and all day usage.
And finally of course lets not forget tree roots. If you’re digging out and removing a tree on of the most frustrating parts of that (apart from the fact it takes hours!) is cutting those roots that just won’t budge.
Rather than using a hand saw a cordless one handed reciprocating saw will make sort work of obstinate tree roots!
The main categories we’ve looked at in this review of the best reciprocating saw for pruning trees are the best professional reciprocating saw for pruning, the best one handed reciprocating saw for pruning trees, the best reciprocating saw for trees under $100 and the best budget reciprocating saw for pruning trees.
So let’s get into this and take a look at…
Best Reciprocating Saw For Pruning Trees – The Reviews.
Milwaukee 2720-20 M18 SAWZALL Reciprocating – Tool Only
4.8 out of 5.0 stars
Our choice of the best professional reciprocating saw for pruning goes to the king of the Sawzall hill the Milwaukee 2720-20 M18.
Without a doubt this Milwaukee Sawzall is an incredible power tool.
Whether you’re using it on a job site, on a home remodeling project, your woodworking shop or out in the yard busting thus tree limbs and pruning those branches, roots and fallen tree trunks with tangled roots the Milwaukee 2720-20 M18 will perform effortlessly.
The Milwaukee 2720-20 M18 SAWZALL has corded saw beating performance delivering faster cutting speeds and lower levels of vibration.
Milwaukee 2720-20 M18 SAWZALL – Features
With its Milwaukee designed Powerstate brushless motor the Milwaukee 2720-20 delivers a constant supply of power for the toughest of tree cutting and pruning jobs.
When trimming, pruning and cutting 3” and 4” branches and limbs this Sawzall is effortless and 6” and 7” limbs and trunks are almost as quick to cut.
Milwaukee’s Redlithium 18v batteries and well known for their power and longevity so when you’re out in the yard or maybe out in the back 40 with a couple of M18 batteries you’ll be good to go for a few hours treen pruning!
And with its comparative light weight at a reasonable 7 1/2 lbs for a saw of this power the Milwaukee 2720-20 M18 won’t tire you out after prolonged use.
Milwaukee 2720-20 M18 – Things We Like.
- Brushless Powerstate Motor offering corded saw power levels
- Twice the run time with the XC4.0 M18 batteries
- 3,000 Strokes Per Minute for all the tough pruning jobs
- Clutch Protected gearing
- LED cutting light
Milwaukee 2720-20 M18 – Not So Good
- The blade changing mechanism has given some problems
There’s not a lot more to say here being one of the highest rated power tools we have reviewed.
The Best One Handed Reciprocating Saw For Pruning Trees
Milwaukee 2719-20 M18 FUEL Hackzall – Saw Only
Recommended for: Yard work and small farmers looking for outstanding performance, long battery life and durability in a one handed reciprocating saw for pruning trees.
4.8 out of 5.0 starsThe Milwaukee 2719-20 M18 FUEL Hackzall is a light weight, compact reciprocating saw with all the professional features of its bigger companion the Milwaukee 2720-20 M18.
Working one handed often stretching over your head or in an awkward position can lead to fatigue and accidents.
The Milwaukee 2719-20 Hackzall with a 7/8’ stroke length for faster material removal per cut is specifically designed for stress free one handed use.
The pivoting shoe keeps the Hackzall in contact with the branch you’re cutting and trimming with much less vibration.
Milwaukee 2719-20 Hackzall – Features
With the same Powerstate brushless motor technology and M18 Relithium Battery electronic performance monitoring the Milwaukee 2719-20 Hackzall will cut, trim and prune more trees than any other one handed reciprocating saw.
The Milwaukee REDLINK PLUSTM hardware and software system combined with the superb brushless motor wwill deliver up to three times longer tool life than competitive reciprocating saws designed for one handed work.
Milwaukee 2719-20 Hackzall – Things We Like
- Compact dimensions and light weight
- Ergonomic easy to handle one handed design
- Counter balanced mechanics for up to four times lower vibration.
- Overload over haeting and discharge protection via REDLINKTM Intelligence
Milwaukee 2719-20 Hackzall – Not So Good
- The Milwaukee 2719-20 is not a cheap reciprocating saw. But then quality never does come cheap.
Milwaukee 2719-20 Hackzall Review Video
– PLEASE NOTE – This video is the older M12 version not the M18 but still gets incredible reviews
DEWALT have now released the DEWALT ATOMIC DCS369B 20V MAX CORDLESS ONE-HANDED RECIPROCATING SAW. If you're a DEWALT fan check our full DEWALT Atomic Compact Series Review
Best Reciprocating Saw For Pruning Trees – Mid Priced to Budget
Best Reciprocating Saw For Trees Under $100
KIMO 20V 4.0Ah Li-ion Brushless Cordless Reciprocating Saw
The Kimo 20V Reciprocating Saw is a big surprise. At the time of writing this review it was being sold either new or refurbished at slightly over the $100 level but offering features that compare with reciprocating saws selling for twice the price.
With a brushless motor, included battery and I hour fast charger the Kimo 20v Reciprocating saw represents immense value.
Included on the list of the best reciprocating saw for pruning trees the Kimo 20V Reciprocating Saw will be a versatile addition to your woodworking power tools for jobs around the yard and home.
Kimo 20V Reciprocating Saw – Features
The Kimo reciprocating saw features what might be considered a class leading 1” stroke length at 0 to 3,300 Strokes per minute to remove 50% more material with each stroke.
The Kimo recip is a medium weight saw at 8lbs and is compact at 14” x 6.5” by 4” wide with a rubberized handle so its not going to tax you over prolonged usage.
The tool free blade change feature allows you to quickly swop between a choice of blades from wood, PVC pipe, copper and of course the all important reciprocating saw blades for tree branches, tree trimming and even tough tree roots.
Kimo 20V Reciprocating Saw – Things We Like
- Included 4.0Ah battery and 1 hour charger
- Brushless Motor for extended tool life
- Selection of blades included
- Plenty of power and durability
Kimo 20V Reciprocating Saw – Not So Good
- Seemed to have battery dropping problem which Kimo now seem to have fixed.
Best Budget Reciprocating Saw For Pruning Trees
BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw with Battery and Charger.
4.6 out of 5.0 stars
Recommended for: Owners of medium to larger yards and lots who are looking for the best budget reciprocating saw for pruning trees
Probably the most famous name in DIY and home power tools Black and Decker have really delivered the goods with the BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw.
Weighing in at just 4 ½ lbs the Black and Decker BDCR20C 20V MAX will enable you to work all day pruning, cutting and trimming your trees and shrubs.
You only have to read the reviews to realize just how good the Black and Decker BDCR20C 20V MAX is for the price.
BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C 20V MAX – Features.
A variable speed trigger controls the 3000 strokes per minute blade pushing a 7/8” stroke length so the Black and Decker BDCR20C will rip through your smaller to medium sized branches up to about 3”
With a longer pruning reciprocating saw blade you’ll tackle larger limbs, branches and small saplings. The Black and Decker BDCR20C takes up to 12” pruning blades.
With tool-less quick lock blade changing you’ll be able to switch blades in seconds.
Black and Decker BDCR20C – Things We Like
- 20V Max Compatible Battery System
- Electric Brake For More Control
- Adjustable and pivoting shoe
- 2 Year Warranty
Black and Decker BDCR20C – Not So Good
- Shorter battery life than more expensive brands
If you already own BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Power Tools and you have batteries and a charger then you could also consider the BLACK+DECKER BDCR20B 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw No Battery Included and save yourself some dollars.
Budget One Handed Reciprocating Saw For Pruning Trees
WORKPRO 12V Cordless Variable Speed Reciprocating Saw KIT with Pruning Clamping Jaw
The product in this Workpro reciprocating saw review measures 15.07 x 10.51 x 3.54 inches. It weighs four pounds. Those specs make it compact, which is convenient for homeowners working in the yard or around the house.
WORKPRO 12V Reciprocating Saw – Features
While the 20V battery used to power the Workpro cordless reciprocating saw does not say MAX, the unit has a 20-volt capacity while operating nominally at 18-volts. No-load speed up to 3,000 SPM is possible, but that will drop as the battery drains.
One highlight in our Workpro reciprocating saw review is the battery charger. It fully charges in an hour, making for minimal downtime. Another feature that saves time is the no-tool blade changes, which allow you to swap out blades quickly.
One thing we like about this design is the handle shape and placement. It offers a pistol grip and is ergonomic, both of which are noticed when cutting solid materials.
WORKPRO 12V Reciprocating Saw – Things We Like
- At four pounds, this reciprocating saw will be easy for you to handle. that can be important as you work with arms extended or over your head;
- It has a battery charger that fully charges the battery pack in an hour. That is vital when you need the Workpro reciprocating saw throughout the day;
- You get everything you need in the box. that includes the battery, charger, and five reciprocating saw blades for cutting various materials.
WORKPRO 12V Reciprocating Saw – Not So Good
- Its 20V MAX battery pack has a 1.5-amp hour rating. That can drain quickly, especially with tough materials, and will create downtime;
- The Workpro reciprocating saw is lightweight due to the thin materials used in its construction. Those components are not as durable as those used on other reciprocating saws.
Reciprocating Saw Blade For Tree Cutting, Tree Branches and Trimming.
Pruning, cutting and trimming branches and trees, even tough roots and stumps is way faster then using a chainsaw. Really? Yep! If you don’t believe me then just watch the video below.
Using the Diablo pruning blades enables you to cut up to 5 times faster than standard pruning and tree trimming blades.
What makes pruning cutting and trimming trees even faster? Using the best reciprocating saw blade for pruning tress that you can afford.
The best reciprocating saw blade for tree cutting will have a bi directional tooth design with 5 teeth per inch that cuts both ways as the saw is moving. Deep blade gullets will ensure fast chip removal to keep the cutting area clog free.
Reciprocating saw blades for tree pruning will generally come in 6’, 9” and 12” lengths. You should choose the shortest blade for the trimming and cutting job in hand but a 9” blade is a great compromise.
Recommended list of reciprocating saw blade for tree cutting.
Reciprocating Saw Blade For Tree Cutting, Tree Branches and Trimming.
Pruning, cutting and trimming branches and trees, even tough roots and stumps is way faster then using a chainsaw. Really? Yep! If you don’t believe me then just watch the video below.
Using the Diablo pruning blades enables you to cut up to 5 times faster than standard pruning and tree trimming blades.
What makes pruning cutting and trimming trees even faster? Using the best reciprocating saw blade for pruning tress that you can afford.
The best reciprocating saw blade for tree cutting will have a bi directional tooth design with 5 teeth per inch that cuts both ways as the saw is moving. Deep blade gullets will ensure fast chip removal to keep the cutting area clog free.
Reciprocating saw blades for tree pruning will generally come in 6’, 9” and 12” lengths. You should choose the shortest blade for the trimming and cutting job in hand but a 9” blade is a great compromise.
If you’re looking for the best reciprocating saw for pruning trees you also need very best reciprocating saw blades for tree trimming.
Pruning and professional level yard and landscape work requires the best reciprocating saw blades so Diablo reciprocating saw blades by Freud are the ones to buy.
Manufactured in Italy to the highest engineering standards from the finest micrograin carbide.
Engineered to last up to 50 times longer than general pruning blades the carbide tooth Diablo will deliver outstanding cutting performance with minimal effort. Quick chip removal is facilitated by the large blade gullets between the teeth for stress free pruning, root and tree trimming.
Diablo DS1205FG5 12″ 5 TPI Pruning Reciprocating Saw Blade – 5-Pk
4.8 out of 5.0 stars
Freud DS1203CP3 Diablo 12″ Carbide Pruning Reciprocating Blade – 3 Pack
4.8 out of 5.0 stars
Freud DS0903CP3 Diablo 9″ Carbide Pruning Reciprocating Blade – 3 Pack
4.7 out of 5.0 stars
Best Reciprocating Saw For Pruning Trees – The Final Cut
There is no doubt that the ‘top of the tree’ in reciprocating saws for tree trimming and pruning is the Milwaukee 2720-20 M18 SAWZALL. It’s powerful, rugged and with the M18 battery system and intelligent power management it’s a superb reciprocating saw for tree trimming, pruning and cutting. The professional choice for those of you with large wooded lots and holdings.
The Best One Handed Reciprocating Saw For Pruning Trees is another Milwaukee reciprocating saw the Milwaukee 2719-20 M18 FUEL Hackzall. All the features of its larger sibling packaged into a powerful, well built compact one handed reciprocating saw with great battery life again from the M18 Milwaukee battery system.
Entering our list of the best reciprocating saw for pruning trees is the KIMO 20V 4.0Ah Li-ion Brushless Cordless Reciprocating Saw which hits the middle ground as the best reciprocating saw for trees under $100. (It may be slightly more by the time you check the price but it’s still an incredible bundle)
If you’re looking for the best budget reciprocating saw for pruning trees then you cannot go wrong with the Black and Decker BDCR20C 20V MAX. You only have to read the tree pruning reviews to know this is an outstanding reciprocating saw for the money.
Finally we have included the TACKLIFE 12V MAX Reciprocating Saw with Clamping Jaw as our recommended budget one handed reciprocating saw for pruning trees. It doesn’t have a long battery life but for light yard work it’s a great little saw.
If you have found this rundown of the best reciprocating saw for pruning trees useful then click over to our review of the best cordless reciprocating saws for the The Top 5 Best Cordless Reciprocating Saw Recommendations
In our rundown of the best reciprocating saw for pruning trees we have covered all the angles so that you’ll find the exact saw to suit your specific needs. Just remember that reciprocating saws and trees can cause injuries so stay safe And enjoy clearing up that yard and wooded lot!
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