A pole pruner (10) that is lighter in weight than professional-grade pole pruners is provided, thereby making available a consumer-grade a pole pruner (10) that is lightweight, low in cost, and easy to use. Additionally, a pole pruner (10) according to one aspect of the present invention has a compact and contoured profile, thereby substantially preventing the pole pruner (10) from becoming lodged or ensnared in tree limbs or other vegetation. Further, a pole pruner (10) according to another aspect of the present invention includes a gear design (58) that reduces noise and produces less vibration than prior pole pruners. <IMAGE>
