Last Updated on 2022-03-01 by Harry Masterton
The top sawzall blades for trees reviewed, tested in the yard and rated so you don't have to. Save your time and money shopping for tree cutting sawzall blades.
Shrubs and trees add to a property, but they can also cause problems if left unchecked. Part of routine home maintenance in the yard involves cutting, pruning and trimming. The reciprocating saw with a high quality sawzall blade for trees is a good choice for powering through branches and limbs.
In A Hurry? Go straight to the Best Sawzall Blades For Trees Winners In Every Category.
- Best Sawzall Blades For Trees Overall Winner – Milwaukee
- Best Sawzall Blades For Trees – High End Professional – Diablo
- Sawzall Blades For Trees – Best Budget Saw Blade – WORKPRO
- Sawzall Blades For Trees – DEWALT DW4803
- Sawzall Blades For Trees – BOSCH RP95
- Sawzall Blades For Trees – PORTER-CABLE C760R
Selecting the right reciprocating sawzall blade for tree cutting offers several advantages.
If you are not familiar with reciprocating saws (often referred to using the brand name Sawzall), these power tools are handy for making rough cuts through all types of things. It can equip a variety of blades designed for particular materials, including reciprocating saw blades for tree trimming. The proper tree cutting Sawzall blades allow homeowners and landscapers to cut:
Quickly;
Cleanly;
Easily.
Sawzall Blades for Trees
Sawzall blades for trees work quickly
A reciprocating saw blade for tree cutting moves at a high rate of speed, allowing the teeth to sever fibers on green wood, dead wood, or anything in-between. The shape and movement of the reciprocating saw blade provide clearance to reach into spaces between limbs so that you can cut without damaging other branches.
Fast cutting of a tree branch and tree limbs with specially designed pruning reciprocating saw blades is much safer than using a chain saw
Tree cutting Sawzall blades cut ends properly
Anyone who has used hand-powered shears can tell you that it is easy to break and strip the ends of limbs, something reciprocating saw blades for tree trimming will not do.
That includes using a reciprocating saw blade for tree cutting large limbs that are supported.
The clean wood at the end of the cut is easy to treat.
Sawzall blades for trees make things easy
Traditional bow saws, hand tools and pruning shears require effort. Using the best pruning blade in your reciprocating saw makes it easy to work away from your body and overhead. Reciprocating saw blades for pruning trees are safer when working off the ground, like on a ladder, for example.
Can You Use A Reciprocating Saw To Cut Tree Roots?
Yes. In most cases, you will use the same Sawzall blades for trees. Reciprocating saw blades for tree roots offer similar advantages as cutting branches and limbs. You can also use reciprocating saw blades for tree stumps.
To use a Sawzall blade for tree roots:
- Clear away dirt and rocks;
- Prepare for cut;
- Make the cut;
Trenching and tree stumps.
Before using your reciprocating saw blades for tree roots, you need to clear away debris around them. That is especially true with rocks or other solid masses that can bend or snap the blade.
Next, you need to prepare for using a Sawzall blade for tree roots by checking that the tool has clearance to operate. You also need to test that your hand and arm have room for safe operations. That includes cutting underneath with reciprocating saw blades for tree stumps and hard-to-reach roots.
A Sawzall blade for tree roots can cut thin strands from any angle, but using reciprocating saw blades for tree roots requires positioning across the root system to prevent slipping. If the saw blade digs into the soil behind the target, it should be fine, as long as you clear rocks and other hard debris.
Make a trench around the root system before using reciprocating saw blades for tree stumps. That allows you to detach the stump around the edges before working beneath it.
What TPI Is Used To Cut Trees With A Reciprocating Saw?
When buying Sawzall blades for trees, you must determine how many Teeth Per Inch (TPI) the saw blade should have for clean and safe cuts. What is the best TPI for pruning reciprocating saw blade designs?
Softwoods will require a course TPI between 5-11. Dry hardwoods need a finer TPI greater than 11. What is the best TPI for pruning reciprocating saw blade designs for live greenwoods? Course Sawzall blades with a lower TPI usually work best (see below).
We suggest getting course and fine blades to cover your needs.
Best Reciprocating Saw Blades For Green Wood
Not all Sawzall blades for trees are ideal for living green woods, as higher TPI products are less effective outside of hardwoods. Why are high TPI reciprocal saw blades less effective in greenwoods?
Smaller teeth – Higher TPI counts require a smaller tooth profile. That will require more work by the saw blade to cut through the wood fibers;
Shallow gullets – The gap between teeth on a high TPI blade is smaller than on low TPI reciprocating blades. There is less material exiting from the cut's channel, which can lead to clogging on softer living materials;
Coarse Sawzall blades for trees sever fibers by acting almost like a chisel. You do not need a fine edge like a cross-cut on fine woodworking; you are rough-cutting. High TPI products are more effective in green woods.
Best Reciprocating Saw Blades For Trees
Cutting, pruning, and trimming your shrubs/trees requires more than the blade being harder than wood. If you are looking to buy Sawzall blades for trees, think about:
- Blade material – The best reciprocating saw blades for trees will be High Carbon Steel (softwoods) or High-Speed Steel (hardwoods;
- Reciprocating saw blades for tree branches are long – Reciprocating blades range from 3-12 inches. The best reciprocating saw blade for cutting trees measuring at least six inches for more flexibility:
- Wider is better when shopping for the best reciprocating saw blades for trees – It is more stable and wider reciprocating saw blades for tree branches do not bind as easy;
The best reciprocating saw blade for cutting trees are straight – They cut edges effectively. A sloped tip can offer some plunging ability.
DeWalt Reciprocating Saw Blades For Trees
The DeWalt brand has been around since 1926, and this manufacturer offers over 20 reciprocating blades, including Sawzall blades for trees. Products sell singularly or in sets, with DeWalt reciprocating saw blades for trees measuring six inches in length (four and eight-inch designs are also available).
DeWalt pruning blade designs indicate that they cut wood, which helps DIYers and pros alike to identify their pruning blades for DeWalt reciprocating saw from their metal cutting blades. A DeWalt pruning blade is universal in design, so you should be able to use them with any brand of reciprocating saw.
DeWalt reciprocating saw blades for trees tend to have either a slope design or a sloped tip. That will not improve performance for cutting edges, but these products will plunge more efficiently than a straight reciprocating blade design.
Most big-box stores, hardware centers, and online outlets sell pruning blades for DeWalt reciprocating saw, making them easy to replace. They are engineered well but will wear down, especially cutting thick limbs.
DEWALT DW4803 Tapered Back Bi-Metal 9-Inch 6-TPI Reciprocating Saw Blades – 5-Pack
DeWalt's DW4803 is the company's best Sawzall blades for trees design. The product comes with five saw blades that are nine inches long, with a TPI of six.
4.8 out of 5.0 starsDEWALT DW4803 – Features
The thin tapering allows you to reach between tight branches or root systems but makes the blade more vulnerable as it is thin.
DEWALT DW4803 – Things We Like
- A raker tooth design creates fast and aggressive cuts. Adding the six TPI improves the efficiency of those cuts by clearning more green fibers from the cut channel;
- DeWalt uses a yellow anti-stick coating on their Sawzall blades for trees. The coating helps to keep the blade moving smoothly through moisture and tar build-up at the point of contact;
- Its bi-metal composition offers an adequate compromise between flex and durability. Most homeowners will appreciate this design as they prune their shrubs and trees.
DEWALT DW4803 – Not So Good
- It has a raker tooth that most DIYers will not use properly, if at all. The design will be a waste on cutting, pruning, and trimming most shrubs or trees;
- The nine-inch design will flex a lot if only the front third of the blade makes contact during the cut. Centering the blade wears out the middle teeth while the end teeth seldom make contact.
Milwaukee Sawzall Pruning Blades
The Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation has been around since 1924. It has built a reputation as a manufacturer of professional-grade power tools and accessories, including Sawzall blades for trees and other demolition jobs.
The Milwaukee reciprocating saw pruning blade designs are high-quality, which makes a lot of sense for the company that introduced the Sawzall in 1951. An extensive list of saw blades for wood, metal, and multi-material cover most applications. The Milwaukee Hackzall pruning blades are known for their thin kerf.
Product lines include the AX series with carbide teeth that last 50x longer than other saw blades (these make good Milwaukee Sawzall pruning blades because of that durability). The Milwaukee Hackzall pruning blades fit the cordless power tools and provide up to 35-percent more cuts per charge.
Milwaukee Sawzall pruning blades feature prominent tooth configurations that generate aggressive cuts. Adding deeper gullets between those teeth gives Milwaukee reciprocating saw pruning blade designs the ability to tackle hardwoods, softwoods, and green wood that is still wet.
Milwaukee Pruning SAWZALL Reciprocating Saw Blades 48-00-1301 9 in. 5 TPI – 5 Pack
These Sawzall blades for trees come in a five-pack. They are nine inches long and have a TPI of five.
5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Milwaukee 48-00-1301 – Features
Carbon steel is a must for reciprocating saw blades this long. We like the extra-deep gullets that eject more debris with each pass.
Milwaukee 48-00-1301 – Things We Like
- A five TPI configuration is the most aggressive you can get and will cut wood fibers quickly. The speed of the cut stands out for professional use;
- Deeper gullets and spaces between tooth runs help to keep the cut channel clear. These elements also improve the speed of the cuts that landscapers and other pros require;
- Milwaukee uses carbon steel to make these Sawzall blades for trees. The material has more flexibility during cuts, making them less likely to snap as they are cutting.
Milwaukee 48-00-1301 – Not So Good
- A long tapered tip is good for plunging but has limited applications for pruning and trimming. It has a step-down where the taper starts that could be a weak point when pressure is applied;
- A thin blade width, minimal kerf, deep gullets, and carbon steel composition weaken the blade. These will not last as long as other products reviewed here.
Milwaukee The Ax 9-Inch 5 TPI Reciprocating Saw Blades 48-00-5026 5-Pack
Another five-pack of Milwaukee Sawzall blades for trees is the 48-00-5026. They are nine inches long and have a TPI of five.
4.8 out of 5.0 starsMilwaukee 48-00-5026 – Features
The first difference between these and the previous Milwaukee product is thickness. A higher profile creates a more rigid blade. They make cleaner cuts and handle thin branches and roots better. The tradeoff is a slower cutting speed.
Milwaukee 48-00-5026 – Things We Like
- It has a Nail Guard tooth design that makes them less prone to damage. That will let you get more out of each of the Sawzall blades for trees;
- These will cut more straight than thinner blades. That is something to consider when trimming branches that will leave a visible trim point on your tree trunks;
- Milwaukee makes these reciprocal saw blades thicker. A more rigid blade is easier to use on thin roots and branches.
Milwaukee 48-00-5026 – Not So Good
- It has shorter teeth and more shallow gullets than the 1301 Milwaukee blades. That slows down cutting a bit, but you should not notice this on most jobs;
- The one-inch profile is thicker than other blades, making it less flexible. A more rigid design is prone to snapping in deeper cut channels on thick branches.
Diablo Pruning Blades
Freud Tools is a company based out of Italy, with manufacturing facilities there and Switzerland. Diablo pruning blades and a Freud Diablo pruning blade come from the same facilities (the company makes its blades and does not contract out to a third party). That allows Freud Tools to innovate features like the carbide tips on the Diablo 9 inch pruning blade or Swiss-made edges that retain sharpness on its Diablo 12 pruning blade.
A Diablo pruning blade lasts up to 50x longer than other designs, thanks to the carbide tips attached to steel blade shafts. These “blends” make Diablo pruning reciprocating saw blade products more rigid. Design features that stand out on the Diablo 9 inch pruning blade can be found on Diablo 12 pruning blade.
Several Freud Diablo pruning blade products include a non-stick coating that promotes smoother cutting. The Diablo pruning reciprocating saw blade comes at a higher price because it comes from overseas, but Freud Tools has built a solid reputation for its saw blades, including circular saw and reciprocating saw blades.
SCROLL To View The Complete Freud Diablo Range
Diablo DS0903CP3 9″ Carbide Pruning Reciprocating Blade – 3 Pack
Recommended for: Those looking for long-lasting reciprocal saw blades will want to look closely at the Freud DS0903CP3.
4.8 out of 5.0 stars
These Freud Sawzall blades for trees come in a package of three. Each saw blade is nine inches long and has a TPI count of three. The low tooth count makes them aggressive.
Freud DS0903CP3 – Features
There is a lot of space between each tooth, allowing it to eject more waste with each stroke. Using carbide tips on each tooth will extend the life of each blade by up to 50x what it would be without the carbide.
Freud DS0903CP3 – Things We Like
- It has large gullets between the teeth due to the low TPI. That is ideal with Sawzall blades for trees cutting into green wood fibers;
- The composition is listed as a “blend” of materials. It uses a steel body with carbide teeth to create greater durability with a more rigid body;
- A three-blade packaging keeps the price down. Imported blades can be more expensive, so fewer blades keep the cost comparable.
Freud DS0903CP3 – Not So Good
- The three TPI is a bit low for some cutting and pruning jobs. A lower tooth count means they can snag easily on small branches and roots;
- Its teeth have a hook shape that grabs firmly. That increases snags and potential breaks.
Diablo DS1205FG5 12″ 5 TPI Pruning Reciprocating Saw Blade – 5-Pk
Recommended for: Faster cuts through medium and large branches.
4.7 out of 5.0 stars
These Sawzall blades for trees come in a pack of five saw blades. Each is 12-inches long and has a TPI of five.
Diablo DS1205FG5 – Features
These are Swiss-made metals, offering precision grinds on both sides of each tooth. They are ideal for fast cuts but are not as durable.
Diablo DS1205FG5 – Things We Like
- Freud includes a two-direction tooth design here. That allows you to cut in both directions for faster cuts;
- A 12-inch length is ideal for thicker branches. You can get more tooth contact for faster cuts;
- These Sawzall blades for trees come in a five-pack. That gives you more blades for replacements as they wear down.
Diablo DS1205FG5 – Not So Good
- A two-way cutting tooth will wear quickly compared to uni-directional teeth. You will notice the drop in performance;
- A thin design and rigid metal are easier to snap. Thinner edges on both sides of the teeth will not help.
Freud DS1203CP3 Diablo 12″ Carbide Pruning Reciprocating Blade – 3 Pack
Recommended for: Homeowners and pros who like the design of the DS0903CP3 but want a longer reach from their Sawzall blades for trees.
4.8 out of 5.0 stars
These Sawzall blades for trees measure 12-inches in length with a three TPI spacing. The pack of three offers a compromise between replacement blades and price.
Freud DS1203CP3 – Features
The stand-out feature we like here is its wide gullets. That is necessary with an aggressive tooth setting.
Freud DS1203CP3 – Things We Like
- The tooth geometry and carbide tips extend the life of each saw blade. You can get up to 50x more life from these compared to standard steel designs;
- Its 12-inch length is a big plus for those needing to cut through thick limbs. We like that you can get more teeth in contact with the surface;
- A larger profile adds durability to these blades. A wider blade also makes more accurate cuts along exposed trunk surfaces.
Freud DS1203CP3 – Not So Good
- One weak spot on longer saw blades is the connection point. It can break near the base if too much pressure is applied when cutting with the tip;
- It has a TPI of three, which can be tough to handle if you are not ready. A more aggressive tooth requires a better hold and concentration for safe operating.
Freud DS0912BW5 Demo Demon Diablo Reciprocating Saw Blade 9-Inch x 6-12T – 5 Pack
Recommended for: If you need a clean cut on tree trunks or other heavy workloads, these might be the best blade for those jobs.
4.7 out of 5.0 stars
These Sawzall blades for trees come in a five-pack, measuring nine inches with a variable TPI of 6/12.
Freud DS0912BW5 – Features
Versatility is key with this design for rough and smooth cuts. Also, these are heavy-duty, which is a plus when cutting through hardwoods, roots, or stumps.
Freud DS0912BW5 – Things We Like
- A shorter length and tall profile increase rigidity, making straighter cuts;
- The 6/12 TPI is more versatile. The lower TPI can rough-cut branches, while the higher TPI is ideal for visible cuts on your shrubs and trees;
- There is a non-stick coating on the saw blades that produce smoother cutting.
Freud DS0912BW5 – Not So Good
- The gullets on these are not as deep as on other Freud saw blades. Cuts take longer and build heat;
- Its 6/12 TPI divides along the blade, so you are limited in range depending upon the job.
Bosch Pruning Blade
Robert Bosch GmbH is a German company founded in 1886. German engineering is world-renowned, and products like the Bosch pruning blade are no exception. The Bosch 5 TPI pruning reciprocating saw blade has a decent price tag, especially when considering its point of origin.
The company is based in engineering and technology, allowing it to design efficient power tools and accessories. That explains the sharp cutting edges on Bosch reciprocating saw blades. It also helps create a tooth layout that provides effective debris ejection in the gullets.
Bosch pruning blade designs also use quality metals that hold edges, provide enough rigidity to cut straight, and offer flexibility. The nine-inch Bosch 5 TPI pruning reciprocating saw blade displays those traits.
North American markets offer Bosch reciprocating saw blades pruning designs in multi-packs. That allows customers to stock up on accessories that wear down, which tends to happen with staggered tooth designs with gaps in between. The reciprocal saw blades fit Bosch's power tools perfectly, but they will insert in other brands' reciprocating saws with minimal play, making Bosch reciprocating saw blades pruning packs popular with consumers.
BOSCH RP95 9 In. 5 TPI Reciprocating Saw Blades for Pruning 5 Pack
Bosch's Sawzall blades for trees are nine inches long and have a TPI of five. The design is good for pruning, and the pack contains five saw blades.
4.7 out of 5.0 starsBOSCH RP95 – Features
What stands out on these is the sharp edges. The Swiss-made saw blades have cutting edges that last longer and make cleaner cuts.
BOSCH RP95 – Things We Like
- The precision grind on the teeth creates a sharp cutting edge.;
- A staggered steep gullet after every five teeth promotes more debris ejection;
- These Sawzall blades for trees are specifically designed for pruning.
BOSCH RP95 – Not So Good
- Bosch uses deeper gullets at the tip, making these teeth vulnerable to breaking;
- These Swiss-made saw blades are a bit more expensive.
Porter Cable Pruning Blade
In 1906, the Porter Cable company was founded in Syracuse, New York. Its reputation in the portable power tool market during the years leading up to WWII carries on to this day, including Sawzall blades for trees.
The manufacturer's best example of this accessory type is the Porter Cable PC760R, marketed towards homeowners and landscapers alike. Porter Cable Sawzall pruning blades offer a budget-friendly version of more expensive products, which can be a factor for someone investing in accessories that wear down with use.
Porter Cable pruning blade designs save money by using shorter teeth and cost-efficient materials. It is the same process the company uses for building its power tools. The Porter Cable PC760R is a prime example, with several short teeth making up most of the group on a section of the saw blade.
Porter Cable Sawzall pruning blades offer multiple TPI counts on the same saw blade, which you will not see on most reciprocating saw blade designs. The products are packaged in multi-packs to provide consumers with replacement saw blades.
PORTER-CABLE C760R 9 Inch Pruning Reciprocating Saw Blades 3 Pack
The C760R Sawzall blades for trees have a nine-inch length and a variable 4/5TPI rating. These economical saw blades come in packs of three.
4.7 out of 5.0 stars
PORTER-CABLE C760R – Features
Homeowners will appreciate the low price. They will also get an aggressive cut, but the short teeth in the pattern wear down quickly.
PORTER-CABLE C760R – Things We Like
- A shorter tooth profile on the end of the blade prolongs its life;
- The 4/5 TPI is easier to control than a 3 TPI, while providing a more Sawzall blades for trees;
- These replaceable saw blades are budget-friendly.
PORTER-CABLE C760R – Not So Good
- The longer taper at the tip makes it more susceptible to damage;
- Every other tooth on the saw blade is stubby and will wear quickly.
WORKPRO Tools Reciprocating Saw Blades
Hangzhou Greatstar Ind Co., Ltd is one of the largest tool manufacturers in Asia and has been producing the WORKPRO line of power tools since 1992. The North American market has a WORKPRO LLC office located in Trenton, New Jersey.
What that means for you, as a consumer, is that you get a budget-friendly set of reciprocating saw blades. These will not have specific design elements for cutting, pruning, and trimming trees. The approach by the manufacturer is to take from existing products and stamp those designs into medium-grade steel.
Homeowners are the target consumer group. The products will work adequately for casual work around someone's yard, but they are not intended for heavy-duty use by landscapers who will use them daily. Most professionals will avoid them unless they want cheap backup saw blades or find themselves in budget/time constraint out in the field.
You will find products like WORKPRO online. Most big-box stores and hardware outlets carry their brand named reciprocal saw blades along with the top-tier product lines.
WORKPRO W004523A 5-Piece 9-Inch 5TPI Chrome Vanadium Wood Pruning Reciprocating Saw Blade Set
These Sawzall blades for trees (five-pack) fit on several brands of reciprocating saws, unlike some of the other products we reviewed. They are nine inches long and have a five TPI.
4.6 out of 5.0 starsWORKPRO W004523A – Features
These reciprocating saw blades cut fast due to the tooth configuration and deep gullets. The teeth will remind you of a pruning handsaw.
WORKPRO W004523A – Things We Like
- These fit Black & Decker, Bosch, DeWalt, and Makita, with no play like some saw blades have;
- A staggered tooth layout is ideal for cutting into wet woods;
- WORKPRO is a budget-friendly alternative to big name brands that charge more for fewer saw blades.
WORKPRO W004523A – Not So Good
- Protruding lead teeth in each sub-set are vulnerable to damage;
- The steel used might be lower quality, which is an expected trade-off for the price.
Sawzall Blades For Trees – The Final Cut
When it comes to cutting, pruning, or trimming shrubs and bushes, you will be hard-pressed to find something better than Sawzall blades.
Need More? See Our In Depth Article Best Reciprocating Saw For Pruning
A reciprocating saw is the ideal power tool for this type of work. It takes less effort to operate than any hand-powered trimmers, with the bonus of completing the job faster. That can be important if you need to clean up several shrubs and trees during the weekend when your time is limited.
A reciprocating saw is more compact and lightweight than a chainsaw. You will find it easier to work overhead or with your arms extended away from your body when using a Sawzall compared to a chainsaw. There is also the safety factor to consider, as chainsaws can be dangerous to use (especially if you are cutting root systems in or near the ground).
When you shop for reciprocating saw blades, brand names like Freud and Milwaukee will buy you quality blades that last longer. If you use them only once in a while, they might last you for years. Cheap saw blades make sense when you plan to cut out roots or stumps in, or surrounded by, dirt and other ground debris. Why trash your expensive Diablo blades when a cheap set will do the job?
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