7sleeper
Addicted to ArboristSite
Yeah the big heavy branches are a own chapter and I also cut them down in segments because I feel I have more control of the situation, instead of having some giganto branch tip on the ground and the cut end undescided if it should hit me in the face or do something else stupid! I don't like that...A 5-10" branch has way to much leverage and weight and the possibility of a pinch really goes up. When the bar is pinched it can come down and bend the drive shaft on the pole saw. This was a $500 lesson my neighbor learned. I still cut big branches in 1/3rds to avoid this. You are correct though, cutting a short distance from the trunk and make a nice cut being careful not to get into the branch collar.
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