This pole saw makes it possible to safely reach and cut high limbs and branches when other means of access is impossible. It has made so many of my pruning tasks so much easier and safer for me. The blade is well-designed and it cuts very well. The hooks at the top and bottom of the blade are actually blades for snagging and stripping small branches and twigs, but I've used them mostly to place ropes on high branches so I can control how far they can freefall and swing after cutting. It is very versatile... The weight of the pole saw with extensions puts enough pressure on the blade such that adding extra force is not necessary, just use a rhythmic sawing motion - very little effort is required. Undercutting a branch at height to prevent bark damage in a pruning job is difficult but not impossible with this saw, just know that the weight of the pole extensions and the force needed to cut upwards takes a lot of effort because you're working against gravity. It is much easier to saw 2/3 to 3/4 or more through large, heavy branches from the top, then use the blade hooks to pull the branch down. Personally, I tie all of these off to control branch drop and swing. Some bark damage may happen. If a clean cut is necessary, remove the heaviest wood first, then make the pretty cut when there's no heavy weight to bind or pinch the blade. The higher up you go, the more underneath the branch you are, which presents serious safety risks. Wear safety glasses because saw dust will always find a way to get in your eyes and wear a hard hat to protect your head. Tie off the branches so they can neither fall nor swing too far and they always remain under your control before and after the cut. The only problem I've had with this pole saw is that a pin partially worked its way out on one of the couplings - I just tapped it back in and haven't had a problem since. I really like this pole saw and highly recommend it.