An improved pole pruner for pruning a limb from a tree is provided which includes structure which grabs or grasps that portion of the tree limb to be detached as the cutting blade of the pole pruner severs the tree limb from the tree thereby preventing the severed tree limb from falling downwardly and injuring the operator of the pole pruner. The operator of the pole pruner may maneuver the pole pruner to a location wherein it is safe to release the severed tree limb from the pole pruner.