Best Shovel For Digging Up Roots (2024 Updated)

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If you're a gardener or landscaper, you know how important it is to have the right tools for the job. And when it comes to digging up roots, having the best shovel can make all the difference. But with so many options available, how do you know which one to choose?

Here are five key points to keep in mind when looking for the best shovel for digging up roots:

1. Blade shape: Look for a shovel with a curved or pointed blade, as these shapes are best suited for cutting through tough soil and roots.

2. Handle length: Make sure the shovel you choose has a handle that is long enough for you to use comfortably without having to bend over too much. This will help prevent back strain and other injuries.

3. Material: Consider the material the shovel is made from. Steel is a popular choice for its durability, but aluminum and fiberglass options are also available and can be lighter and easier to handle.

4. Weight: A heavier shovel may be more durable, but it can also be more difficult to maneuver. Consider your own strength and comfort level when choosing a shovel.

5. Price: Shovels can range in price from very affordable to quite expensive. Consider your budget and how much you plan to use the shovel before making a purchase.

By keeping these key points in mind, you can find the best shovel for digging up roots that fits your needs and budget. Happy digging!

10 Best Shovel For Digging Up Roots

1. 48" Root Assassin Garden Shovel/saw – Award-Winning Combo Tool For Landscaping, Tree Removal, And Specialized Digging.

The Root Assassin 48" Garden Shovel/Saw is an award-winning combination gardening tool that helps gardeners accomplish various gardening tasks faster than other conventional gardening tools. The enhanced shovel shape and curved tip with serrated edges are perfect for slaying roots and weeds. Additionally, the Root Assassin serrated shovel saw can effortlessly cut through roots and other obstructions in the soil.

One of the most notable features of the Root Assassin shovel is the sturdy D-shaped metal handle that is rubber coated for digging comfort. The handle provides a comfortable grip that reduces hand fatigue and enables the user to work for longer periods without experiencing discomfort.

The digging spade has a pointed tip that allows you to dig deeper with maximum leverage. This feature makes it easier to dig holes for plants, shrubs, and trees. The shovel is also designed with a serrated edge that allows for easy cutting of roots and weeds. The serrated edge is sharp enough to cut through tough roots and other obstructions in the soil, making it an ideal tool for landscaping, trimming, and specialized digging.

The Root Assassin carbon steel shovel is reliable and durable, ensuring that you get value for your money. The manufacturer offers a lifetime replacement guarantee, which means that you can get a replacement shovel if the one you purchased gets damaged. This guarantee is a testament to the quality of the product and the manufacturer's commitment to customer satisfaction.

In conclusion, the Root Assassin 48" Garden Shovel/Saw is an excellent combination gardening tool that provides gardeners with the ability to tackle various gardening tasks efficiently. The serrated edge and pointed tip make it easy to cut through roots and weeds, while the rubber-coated handle provides a comfortable grip. The manufacturer's lifetime replacement guarantee is a clear indication of the product's quality and durability.

2. Radius Garden 22311 Root Slayer Nomad, Root Slayer Nomad, Red

The Radius Garden 22311 Root Slayer Nomad is a compact, lightweight version of the Root Slayer, designed to ease the process of gardening and landscaping. The product's powder-coated carbon steel shaft is durable and features an ergonomic polypropylene grip, which provides comfort and ease of use. The blade of the Root Slayer Nomad is 70% of the size of the original, making it easy to handle and use.

The Root Slayer Nomad features an "Inverted V" cutting blade and root-cutting ripsaw teeth, which eliminate the need for saws, hatchets, and pry-bars. This unique design allows the user to slice through sod and small roots with exceptional ease, making the process of gardening and landscaping much more efficient.

The patented, ergonomic paddle-handle grip provides optimal leverage while reducing hand and wrist stress. This design ensures that the user can work for extended periods without experiencing any discomfort or pain.

The Root Slayer Nomad comes with a lifetime guarantee, but it is only applicable to the Continental US. This guarantee is a testament to the product's quality and durability, giving customers peace of mind when purchasing.

Overall, the Radius Garden 22311 Root Slayer Nomad is an excellent tool for anyone who wants to simplify the process of gardening and landscaping. Its compact size and unique design make it easy to use, while the lifetime guarantee ensures that customers can rely on it for years to come.

3. 22" Rotoshovel With Lithium Ion Battery For Digging, Trenching, Planting, And Scooping With Auto Shutoff (1 Battery)

The Rotoshovel 22 Inch Electronic Handheld Lithium Ion Battery Powered Digging, Trenching, Planting and Scooping Shovel with Automatic Shutoff is an automatic shovel that is perfect for gardening and planting. This innovative tool can dig holes up to 10 inches deep and 3 inches in diameter with ease.

The Rotoshovel is constructed from high-quality metal, ensuring long-lasting durability. It comes with a 1-year parts and craftsmanship warranty, giving you added peace of mind. The all-in-one function of the Rotoshovel includes digging and scooping capabilities, making it a versatile tool for your garden.

This tool is the most versatile digging tool for your garden, as it can be used for digging, edging, trenching, and tilling. This makes it an all-in-one tool that can save you time and energy.

Safety is a crucial consideration when using any tool, and the Rotoshovel has you covered. It is kickback-free, so you won't experience a twisted wrist. Additionally, it automatically stops when hitting a rock or root, preventing potential accidents.

The Rotoshovel comes with a rechargeable battery that provides up to 2 hours of cordless use. The 2-hour 12-volt battery is included with the purchase of the Rotoshovel. The Rotoshovel also features a brushless motor for a hassle-free gardening experience.

In summary, the Rotoshovel 22 Inch Electronic Handheld Lithium Ion Battery Powered Digging, Trenching, Planting and Scooping Shovel with Automatic Shutoff is an innovative gardening tool that is perfect for those who want to save time and energy while gardening. It is versatile, durable, and safe to use. With its automatic shutoff, rechargeable battery, and brushless motor, the Rotoshovel is the perfect tool for your gardening needs.

4. Root Assassin 43" D-Handle Shovel – Enhanced Capacity With Back Wings For Neater Digging, Ideal For Gardening And Yard Work

The ROOT ASSASSIN One Shot Garden Shovel is a top-quality tool designed to make digging and yard work easier and more efficient. With its sturdy handle and innovative wing technology, this shovel is a cut above the rest.

The expertly designed handle is made of heavy-duty, lightweight, high-strength fiberglass that is durable and resistant to chipping and rusting. The steel blade is strong and reliable, weighing only 6 lbs.

Whether you are digging a trench, removing sand, dirt, or mud, shoveling coal, camping, or fixing up your yard or garden, this One Shot Shovel will be your new best friend. It is designed to make digging at its best, providing a neater shoveling job because of its blade's strength.

The innovative wing technology design of the shovel allows you to carry more in one scoop and ensures that your large payload doesn't spill off onto the pavement or yard. The design provides a neater shoveling job because of our blade's strength. The extra-large foot creates an additional footstep that lets you shovel deeper to get more in one scoop, all while protecting your foot or shoe from getting cut.

At Root Assassin, they believe in quality without compromise. You should be able to trust your tools completely, especially when using them for important projects. That's why they created the Root Assassin Quality Promise – to ensure that every tool they produce is of the highest quality and built to last.

Overall, the ROOT ASSASSIN One Shot Garden Shovel is a must-have tool for anyone who spends time digging, gardening, or working in their yard. Its sturdy handle, innovative wing technology, and extra-large foot make it a cut above the rest, providing a more efficient and neater shoveling job. If you're looking for a quality shovel that will last for years, look no further than the ROOT ASSASSIN One Shot Garden Shovel.

5. Hooyman Digging Shovel: Heavy Duty Carbon Steel Head, Ergonomic H-Grip, Oversized Steps, Serrated Blades For Outdoor Use.

The Hooyman Digging Shovel with Heavy Duty Carbon Steel Head Construction, Ergonomic No-Slip H-Grip, Oversized Steps, and Serrated Blades is a reliable and durable tool for gardening, land management, yard work, farming, and other outdoor activities. With dimensions of 60.25 inches L x 9 inches W x 3 inches D and a weight of 4.5 lbs, this shovel is designed to provide users with the necessary leverage and strength required for heavy-duty tasks.

The heavy-duty head construction of 1050MN carbon steel makes this shovel extremely tough and durable. This ensures that it can withstand tough conditions and last for a long time, making it a worthwhile investment for anyone who needs a reliable and durable shovel.

One of the most innovative features of this shovel is the custom blade serration. This feature is particularly useful for scooping harder ground or dirt that is full of tough roots when readying food plots, while doing yard work or gardening. The serration allows users to get a better grip on the soil, making it easier to dig and remove unwanted materials.

In addition to the custom blade serration, this shovel also features an oversized flange on both sides of the blade. This creates a 2 ½ inches L x 2 ¼ inches W big-step for added leverage. This makes it easier for users to apply more force when digging through tough soil, ensuring that the job gets done quickly and efficiently.

The ergonomic handle is also a standout feature of this shovel. It features the new, no-slip, H-Grip that turns tacky when wet to ensure a secure grip in all conditions. This allows users to work in wet or slippery conditions without worrying about losing their grip on the shovel.

Lastly, this shovel is covered by a Limited Lifetime Warranty provided by Hooyman. This ensures that users can trust the quality and durability of the product, and that they are covered in case of any defects or issues with the shovel. For any questions or concerns, Hooyman's customer service is available to assist users.

Overall, the Hooyman Digging Shovel with Heavy Duty Carbon Steel Head Construction, Ergonomic No-Slip H-Grip, Oversized Steps, and Serrated Blades is a reliable and durable tool that is perfect for any outdoor activity. Its innovative features and ergonomic design make it a worthwhile investment for anyone who needs a reliable and efficient digging shovel.

6. Radius Garden 23311 Root Slayer Perennial Shovel, Red

The Radius Garden 23311 Root Slayer Perennial Shovel is a versatile and durable gardening tool that is designed to make digging through sod and roots effortless. The shovel features an "Inverted V" cutting blade tip and root-cutting rip saw teeth that allows it to effortlessly slice through roots and tough soil. This eliminates the need for additional tools like saws, hatchets, and pry-bars, making gardening tasks more efficient and less time-consuming.

The ergonomic design of the shovel is also a notable feature. The patented natural radius O-Handle grip provides four times the gripping surface of traditional D-handle tools, which reduces hand and wrist stress while providing additional leverage. This feature makes the shovel easy to use for extended periods without causing fatigue or discomfort.

The blade of the Root Slayer Perennial Shovel is 70% the size of the original Root Slayer, making it lightweight and easy to handle without sacrificing its sharpness or strength. The blade is made of heavy-duty, lightweight carbon steel, ensuring durability and longevity. Additionally, the pultruded fiberglass shaft and extra-wide raised forward step are offset for better leverage and comfort.

One of the main benefits of the Root Slayer Perennial Shovel is its versatility. It can be used for a wide range of gardening tasks, including planting, transplanting, and dividing perennials. Its unique design allows it to quickly and easily penetrate soil, making it ideal for use in tight spaces or hard-to-reach areas.

The Radius Garden 23311 Root Slayer Perennial Shovel comes with a lifetime warranty for customers in the continental US, which ensures that buyers can enjoy the benefits of this gardening tool for years to come. Overall, this shovel is an excellent investment for anyone who wants a high-quality, versatile, and durable gardening tool that can handle tough soil and roots with ease.

7. Fiskars 46-Inch Steel D-Handle Garden Spade For Edging, Digging, And Weed Removal. Heavy-Duty And Black/orange.

The Fiskars Steel D-Handle Flat Square Garden Spade is a versatile tool that is designed to meet the needs of gardeners, landscapers, and yard cleanup professionals. Its sturdy construction and durable materials make it a reliable companion for heavy-duty tasks like edging, digging, and weed removal.

The spade features a 14-gauge hardened steel blade that is welded to an 18-gauge steel shaft, providing a level of durability that surpasses wooden or fiberglass-handled tools. This construction ensures that the spade will not flex or bend under pressure, making it ideal for heavy-duty use.

The extra-large D-handle and foot platform design of the spade provides a secure two-handed grip, allowing for maximum control when digging and driving the blade into soil. This design also helps to maximize force, making it easier to penetrate tough soil or break up hardened dirt clods.

The sharpened blade of the Fiskars Steel D-Handle Flat Square Garden Spade makes gardening easier by allowing users to slice through thick turf, cut a trench, or dig with ease. Its overall length of 46 inches and weight of 4.81 ounces make it a lightweight yet sturdy tool that is easy to handle.

In addition to its impressive performance, the Fiskars Steel D-Handle Flat Square Garden Spade is backed by a lifetime warranty, ensuring that it will be a reliable tool for years to come. Overall, this spade is a must-have for any serious gardener, landscaper, or yard cleanup professional who needs a reliable tool to get the job done.

8. Garrett Razor Relic Shovel

The Garrett Razor Relic Shovel is a durable tool designed for metal detecting enthusiasts who need a reliable digging companion. This shovel is 36 inches in total length and features a 9-inch digging blade, making it ideal for digging up relics, coins, and other metallic objects buried underground.

The shovel's handle is designed for comfort, with a T-shaped grip that provides a secure hold, even when digging in tough soil. The handle is also made of sturdy materials to ensure that it can withstand the rigors of frequent use.

The Garrett Razor Relic Shovel is constructed using robust steel, which makes it strong enough to handle a variety of digging tasks. Whether you're searching for treasures in a field or digging in your backyard, this shovel will provide the strength and durability you need to get the job done.

To make it easier to carry and transport, the Garrett Razor Relic Shovel comes with a carry sheath. This sheath is designed to protect the blade and prevent accidents when you're on the move. With this feature, you can easily take your shovel with you wherever you go without worrying about potential damage.

In conclusion, the Garrett Razor Relic Shovel is a high-quality tool that will make your metal detecting experience more efficient and enjoyable. Its sturdy construction, comfortable handle, and convenient carrying sheath make it a valuable addition to any metal detectorist's toolkit. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, you'll appreciate the reliability and durability of this shovel.

9. Moxils 9-Piece Stainless Steel Gardening Tool Set With Non-Slip Grip And Tote Bag – Perfect Gift For Gardeners Of All Ages.

The MOXILS 9 Pieces Stainless Steel Heavy Duty Gardening Tool Set is a premium garden tool kit that includes everything you need for effective and efficient gardening. This set is made of high-quality stainless steel, ensuring that it is robust and durable.

The set includes a large trowel, small trowel, cultivator, hand rake, weeder, pruning shears, garden gloves, water can, and an Oxford cloth tote to keep all your tools organized. The tools are ergonomically designed, with soft handles made from high-quality TRP, that fit comfortably in small and large hands. The handles are non-slip, providing a comfortable grip and reducing stress on your wrists and hands.

The MOXILS gardening tool set is designed to provide plenty of leverage and save you effort and strain when planting, weeding, and digging. The precisely scaled stainless steel blades remain sharp for cutting, and the sawtooth shovel makes digging easy. The tools are 2.0 mm thick, ensuring perfect insertion into the soil.

The nice storage tote bag is designed to hold all the garden tools to ensure you won't lose any tools. It is made of extra-sturdy 600D Oxford cloth, which is easy to clean and resists tears, protecting your gear. The tote has deep pockets, each with an elastic cord, to effortlessly carry to and from your garden.

This gardening tool set is an ideal gift for garden enthusiasts, parents, and kids. It is perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine’s Day, Christmas, and any other cause for celebration. The set is backed by an excellent customer service team who will happily respond to your questions within 12 hours.

In summary, the MOXILS 9 Pieces Stainless Steel Heavy Duty Gardening Tool Set is an excellent choice for anyone who loves gardening. It is durable, easy to use, and comes with a storage tote bag that makes it easy to keep your tools organized. With this set, you will have everything you need to maintain a beautiful garden.

10. Radius Garden 22211, Root Slayer Round Head Shovel, Red

The Radius Garden 22211 Root Slayer Round Head Shovel is the perfect tool for anyone looking to tackle challenging digging tasks with ease. This shovel features an advanced design and modern materials that make it uniquely suited for everything from everyday garden and landscape work to the most demanding digging tasks.

One of the key features of the Root Slayer Round Head Shovel is its sharpened "inverted V" cutting tip blade, which allows it to easily cut through sod and small to medium roots with minimal effort. Additionally, the shovel's specially designed root-cutting rip saw teeth eliminate the need for other tools like saws, hatchets, and pry-bars, making it an all-in-one solution for your digging needs.

The 13 gauge mid-carbon steel blade of the Root Slayer Round Head Shovel is incredibly strong and will never bend, ensuring that it can handle even the toughest digging tasks. The blade also holds a sharp cutting edge extremely well and can be sharpened without voiding the lifetime warranty.

The patented ergonomic natural radius O-Handle grip of the Root Slayer Round Head Shovel provides four times the gripping surface of traditional D-handle tools, giving you additional leverage while reducing hand and wrist stress. The handle is made from a comfortable non-latex, thermoplastic elastomer over-molded onto polypropylene, ensuring that it is both durable and comfortable to use.

With its advanced design, modern materials, and lifetime guarantee, the Radius Garden 22211 Root Slayer Round Head Shovel is a must-have tool for anyone who wants to make their digging tasks easier and more efficient. Whether you're a professional landscaper or a weekend gardener, this shovel is sure to become your go-to tool for all your digging needs.

Best Shovel For Digging Up Roots FAQs

Are there any special techniques or tips for using a shovel to dig up roots safely and effectively?

Yes, there are several techniques and tips for using a shovel to dig up roots safely and effectively. Firstly, choose the right type of shovel for the job, such as a round-point shovel or a spade shovel. Before digging, mark the area around the root to avoid damaging any surrounding plants or structures. Next, dig a trench around the root, cutting through any smaller roots as you go. Work your way around the root until it is loose enough to be lifted out. When lifting the root out of the ground, use your legs to lift, not your back, to avoid injury. If the root is too large to be lifted out, use a saw or ax to cut it into smaller pieces. Finally, fill in the hole with soil and pack it down firmly.

Are there any specific brands or models of shovels that are particularly suitable for root digging?

Yes, there are specific brands and models of shovels that are suitable for root digging. The most important feature to look for is a sharp and sturdy blade with a pointed tip. This will help to penetrate the soil and cut through roots more easily. Some popular brands for root digging shovels include Fiskars, Corona, and Bully Tools.

One specific model that is highly recommended for root digging is the Fiskars 46 Inch Steel D-handle Square Garden Spade. It has a sharp, pointed blade and a comfortable D-handle grip that provides extra leverage and control when digging. Another option is the Corona SS 64104 General Purpose Trench Shovel, which has a narrow blade that is perfect for digging in tight spaces and cutting through roots.

It is important to choose a shovel that is appropriate for the size and depth of the roots you will be digging. Always wear appropriate safety gear, such as gloves and eye protection, when digging around roots to prevent injury.

How important is the shape and size of the shovel blade when digging up roots?

The shape and size of the shovel blade are crucial when digging up roots. A wider blade can help to cover more ground and move more soil. A curved blade can make it easier to dig around the root without damaging it. A sharp edge on the blade can make cutting through roots easier, reducing the amount of force needed to remove them. Generally, a spade shovel with a flat, narrow blade is ideal for digging up roots. The blade should be sharp, strong and durable enough to handle tough soil and roots. The size of the blade should be chosen based on the size of the root system being dug up. Using the right shovel for the job can save time and effort, and help to prevent injuries.

What additional tools or equipment might be helpful when using a shovel to dig up roots, such as gloves or a root saw?

When using a shovel to dig up roots, additional tools or equipment that might be helpful include:

1. Gloves: To protect your hands from blisters, cuts, and scratches caused by handling the shovel and roots.

2. Root saw: A root saw can be used to cut through thicker roots that are difficult to break with a shovel.

3. Pry bar: A pry bar can be used to loosen stubborn roots from the soil and lift them out of the ground.

4. Mattock: This tool has a pick on one end and a flat blade on the other, which can be used to break up hard soil and chop through roots.

5. Soil knife: A soil knife can be used to cut through soil and roots with more precision than a shovel.

6. Wheelbarrow: A wheelbarrow can be used to transport the roots and soil away from the digging site, making the process more efficient.

Using these additional tools and equipment can make digging up roots with a shovel easier and more effective.

What are the best features to look for in a shovel when digging up roots?

When digging up roots, it is important to have a shovel that is strong, durable, and able to penetrate the soil easily. The best features to look for in a shovel when digging up roots include a sturdy blade with a pointed tip, a long handle for leverage, and a durable construction that can withstand heavy use.

A pointed tip can help to easily penetrate hard soil and cut through roots, while a long handle provides the necessary leverage to pry out larger roots. A strong and sturdy blade is also essential for digging through tough soil and cutting through thick roots.

Additionally, it may be helpful to look for a shovel with a comfortable grip and a lightweight design to reduce fatigue during extended use. Overall, a high-quality shovel with these features can make digging up roots a much easier and more efficient task.

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