Every winter Fedco veteran and arboreal enthusiast Mike Smith uses this type of pole pruner to remove browntail caterpillar nests from his orchard. The distinctive cut-and-hold feature allows you to grab the lopped off nest and release it over a collection bucket, so you can later burn the nests or drown them in soapy water. (If you just leave nests on the ground, the caterpillars can survive and make their way back to the tree in spring.) The ideal time for this job is late winter before caterpillars emerge. Many applications for a cut-and-hold pruner beyond browntail removal—you could harvest those fragrant delicious black locust flowers way up high. Sturdy yet lightweight telescoping aluminum pole can extend from 5'11" to 9'10"—someone of average height could cut more than 17' from the ground. The holding piece can be removed for more typical pruning work, suitable for branches up to ¾" in diameter. The grip can be swiftly rotated 180° relative to the cutter head, to orient it according to your needs. Made in Taiwan.
