Best Chainsaws for Small Trees
Small trees, limbing jobs, and storm cleanup do not demand a massive gas saw, and the right lightweight electric or battery model will usually cut faster and with far less fuss. This guide compares real, currently sold chainsaws that make sense for trunks and branches roughly in the 4 to 12 inch range, from budget corded options to pro-grade battery platforms.
Quick answer
The EGO Power+ CS1800 is the best overall pick for most homeowners because it pairs a brushless motor and 18 inch bar with a battery platform many people already own.
Why trust ToolBuyerHub
- Cross-checked manufacturer-published specifications before writing any recommendation
- Verified US market availability and configuration for every model discussed
- Owner-feedback themes are summarized as feedback, never presented as our own hands-on testing
- No invented star ratings; see the visible Research Score criteria on this page
- Flagged chemical-compatibility and safe-handling guidance for sprayer and shredder equipment
- We separate corded, battery, and gas saws by job size so you are not paying for displacement or bar length you will never use on small trees.
Research updated September 2026.
What Matters Most for This Category
Bar length matters less than most shoppers think for small trees; a 14 to 18 inch bar covers nearly all homeowner limbing and felling of thin trunks. What actually decides your satisfaction is power source. Corded saws give the most cutting per dollar but tether you to an outlet and extension cord. Battery saws cost more up front yet go anywhere and share packs with other tools you may own. Gas saws win on raw torque and runtime for repeated heavy work, but they add mixing fuel, pull starts, and more maintenance. Also check chain pitch and gauge availability, because a cheap saw with an odd chain size becomes annoying to keep sharp and replace.
| Model | Best for | Key specs | Research Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| EGO Power+ CS1800 18-Inch Cordless Chainsaw | Best Overall | 56V battery, 18 in | 94/100 |
| Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Cordless Chainsaw | Best Value | 40V battery, 16 in | 90/100 |
| WORX WG303.1 16-Inch Corded Electric Chainsaw | Best Budget | Corded electric, 16 in | 87/100 |
| STIHL MS 170 Gas Chainsaw | Best Gas Option | Gas, 30.1 cc | 89/100 |
| Husqvarna 120 Mark II Gas Chainsaw | Best for Light Felling | Gas, 38.2 cc | 88/100 |
| Makita XCU03 18V X2 LXT 14-Inch Chainsaw | Best for Makita Owners | Two 18V batteries, 14 in | 86/100 |
| Craftsman CMECS600 12-Amp Corded Chainsaw | Best for Tight Budgets | Corded electric, 16 in | 83/100 |
EGO Power+ CS1800 18-Inch Cordless Chainsaw
Top PickPros
- Runs on the widely shared EGO 56V battery platform
- Brushless motor with good torque for limbing and small felling
- Quiet enough for suburban use and no fuel mixing
Cons
- Battery and charger often sold separately
- Heavier than a small corded saw once a pack is installed
A strong all-rounder for homeowners who already own or plan to buy EGO 56V batteries. It handles small tree felling, limbing, and storm cleanup without gas hassles. Based on manufacturer specifications it delivers solid chain speed for its class.
Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Cordless Chainsaw
Great ValuePros
- Often sold as a complete kit with battery and charger
- Light enough for overhead limbing
- Lower entry price than premium battery brands
Cons
- Brushed motor is less efficient than brushless designs
- Runtime is modest on larger cuts
A sensible first battery chainsaw for occasional small tree work. Kits typically include everything needed to start cutting. It is best suited to light limbing rather than repeated heavy felling.
WORX WG303.1 16-Inch Corded Electric Chainsaw
Budget PickPros
- Very low purchase price
- No battery to charge or replace
- Consistent power as long as it is plugged in
Cons
- Limited by extension cord reach
- Cord management around branches takes care
A dependable corded option for yards with an outlet nearby. The 15 amp motor is adequate for small trunks and branches. It avoids all battery cost and charging downtime.
STIHL MS 170 Gas Chainsaw
Gas ClassicPros
- Proven brand with wide dealer and parts support
- Light and compact for a gas saw
- No cord or battery limits
Cons
- Requires fuel mixing and regular maintenance
- Louder and produces exhaust fumes
A long-standing small gas saw that many owners use for firewood and limbing. It offers real gas power in a light package. Expect normal two-stroke upkeep.
Husqvarna 120 Mark II Gas Chainsaw
Reliable GasPros
- Good torque for its size
- Simple starting system on this model
- Well supported brand for parts
Cons
- Heavier than the smallest gas saws
- Still needs fuel mixing and upkeep
A compact gas saw aimed at occasional felling and limbing of small trees. The 14 inch bar keeps it maneuverable. It suits buyers who prefer a familiar gas brand.
Makita XCU03 18V X2 LXT 14-Inch Chainsaw
Platform PickPros
- Uses two common Makita 18V packs
- Brushless motor for efficiency
- Quiet operation with no fumes
Cons
- Needs two batteries to run
- Bare tool pricing assumes you own packs
A smart choice for anyone already invested in Makita 18V tools. Running two packs in series gives it more grunt than a single-battery design. It is well matched to limbing and small trunk work.
Craftsman CMECS600 12-Amp Corded Chainsaw
Entry LevelPros
- Low cost of entry
- Simple tool-free chain tensioning on this model
- No fuel or battery maintenance
Cons
- Less power than higher amp corded saws
- Cord limits where you can work
An inexpensive corded saw for light trimming and small branches. It is easy to store and start. Best treated as a light-duty tool rather than a felling workhorse.
Who Should Avoid the Top Pick
Skip a large gas saw with a 20 inch bar if your trees are small, since you will pay more, carry more weight, and gain nothing. Also avoid no-name battery saws with proprietary packs you cannot replace, and be cautious of very cheap corded saws with low amp ratings if you plan to cut anything beyond thin branches.
Before You Buy
Measure the diameter of the trunks and branches you actually cut, then match bar length and power source to that. Confirm whether batteries and chargers are included, check that replacement chains are easy to find in the right pitch and gauge, and think about noise, fumes, and cord reach for your yard.
FAQs
What size chainsaw do I need for small trees?
For trunks and branches up to roughly 12 inches, a 14 to 18 inch bar is plenty. A 16 inch bar covers most homeowner small tree work comfortably.
Are battery chainsaws powerful enough for small trees?
Yes. Modern brushless battery saws handle limbing and small felling well. Runtime depends on battery capacity and how hard you push the saw.
Is corded or battery better for occasional use?
Corded is cheaper and has unlimited runtime if you have an outlet nearby. Battery costs more but goes anywhere and avoids cord management.
Do I need to sharpen a new chainsaw chain?
New chains come sharp but dull with use. Plan to sharpen or replace the chain periodically, and keep the chain oil reservoir filled.
Can I use a small chainsaw to fell a tree?
You can fell small trees with a properly sized saw, but learn safe felling technique first. Never cut overhead or near power lines without training.
What safety gear should I wear?
At minimum wear eye and ear protection, gloves, and sturdy boots. Chainsaw chaps and a helmet with face shield are strongly recommended.
Our verdict
For most homeowners the EGO Power+ CS1800 is the best balance of power, convenience, and platform value for small trees. If budget is tight, a corded WORX or Craftsman saw gets the job done for far less, and gas buyers should look at the STIHL MS 170 or Husqvarna 120 Mark II.