Is everything around $400 these days?

For under $400 you could have a decent pole pruner and do it from the ground. I can tell you from experience that; you need to wach out for falling limbs, but you get used to it.

Even the manual pole pruner works great. I had quite a number of trees in my back yard that needed constant pruning after 35 years. I could keep them well under control with it. Constant source of fire wood over the years.

If you use a chainsaw while you are on a ladder, you will probably learn that the hospital emergency room also charges around $400 for a visit!

Chain Saw Injury Statistics...

Stihl Chain Saw Safety, Operation & Maintenance DVD...

I think the best procedure if you're not cutting from the ground is standing on a solid limb above the targeted limb.

Bill wrote:

I already have a pole pruner with a 12 inch electric chain saw.

I will use it!

Eric > For under $400 you could have a decent pole pruner and do it from the

I will get a few guys working on it.

Once the tree is under control, I will manually prune it.

I think you have the most control over a manual saw.

professorpaul wrote:

The last time I chimed in on this subject I suggested that a pole pruner can be supported by a harness as used for flagpoles in a parade march. Someone loved the idea.