The Best Mini Chainsaws for Landscaping and Lawn Care

We’re big fans of Greenworks power equipment, and this little saw is a great example of why. Its user-friendly design makes it great for amateurs, and thanks to its 10-inch bar, packs an impressive amount of cutting power.

The thick, rubberized rear-handle, combined with the wide top handle, makes it easy to control and maneuver as you work. Another nice perk is the comprehensive user guide that comes with this saw, which not only explains how the tool works, it also shows chainsawing techniques so you can use it effectively—and, more importantly, safely.

This model is a great choice for users who might not be comfortable handling a traditional chainsaw, but still want the cutting power necessary to rip through branches and small logs up to 4 inches in diameter. Its long neck allows you to control the blade while maintaining a safe distance, and the mouth of the saw surrounds the blade as it works.

The blade actually totally retracts into the housing when you’re not using it, making it an especially safe option. Its light weight also makes it convenient for use overhead, when lopping off tree branches.

This compact saw is packed with accessories, including a pair of work gloves to provide a nice, sturdy grip. This could be a great option for those who aren’t comfortable handling a larger saw, though its 4-inch blade is still enough to tackle serious pruning tasks.

It also comes with a backup battery, something we always appreciate, which allows you to have one charging while the other is in use. It’s also much easier to access hard-to-reach areas, where bulkier saws wouldn’t fit. An integrated light is another convenient feature, illuminating your workspace and reducing the chance of an accident.

This compact option would be a great choice for those who don’t have the storage space for a bulkier model, or don’t have the need for a more powerful saw. Weighing just a little over 3 pounds, it still packs an impressive 20-volt motor and moves its chain at 13 feet per second.

Its small size also allows it to fit into tight or awkward spaces that larger saws could not, like between tree branches, or into brush piles. This kit also includes a bottle of oil as well, which is always a nice perk.

Anyone with overhead landscaping that needs trimming should consider this Sun Joe model, thanks to its telescopic pole attachment. This versatile saw gives you the ability to lop off branches up to 15 feet in the air, then remove the pole and use it as a regular chainsaw to chop up your logs. The pole and saw together weigh just 8.4 pounds, reducing arm fatigue while cutting, which makes it not only easier to maneuver, but also safer than heavier models. Its 8-inch cutting bar is powerful enough to cut through logs up to 7.5 inches thick.

Another 10-inch model, this Worx saw is compact enough to be easy to handle, but thanks to its 20-volt motor, is still powerful enough to tackle serious cutting jobs. Keeping your chainsaw chain lubricated is important to ensure your machine is working smoothly, and this saw takes care of that task for you, with an automatic lubrication system. Plus, a convenient oil level indicator lets you know when it’s due for a refill, reducing the chances of you running out while cutting.

This is an especially great choice for those who already have other Worx power tools, and already have a collection of compatible batteries.

Another telescopic model, this 8-amp saw would be well-suited for anyone looking for the convenience of a mini saw but still maintain enough cutting power to tackle heavy-duty projects. It’s also designed to be relatively simple to use, and no tools are needed to transition from pole-mounted saw to traditional chainsaw.

The nonslip grip of the handle makes it comfortable to control and maneuver when pruning trees or large bushes, and locking clamps allow you to adjust the height to your specific task. Whether you’re chopping logs on the ground or branches 15 feet in the air, this saw will have you covered.

If you have heavy-duty projects lined-up, but don’t want to deal with larger, lumberjack-style chainsaws, this powerful 12-inch model still maintains a small footprint. We love that this saw uses a 5.0Ah battery, which will last much longer than the 2.0Ah versions you’ll find in most other tools. It’s not the most affordable option out there, and may be overkill for some, but if you have a lot of work to do, this durable, high-quality tool could be a great fit. DeWALT tools have a great warranty, offer a year of free service, and a 90-day money-back guarantee.