Roots and stumps can be very hard to get rid of, using the best shovel for digging up roots is important if you want to make the process easier and less tasking. When it comes to digging out grass or tree roots, a shovel is your best friend, they’re broad enough to dig around the root and sharp enough to remove the taproots. In this article, we will guide you to pick the best shovel for digging up roots for your specific use.
10 Best Shovel For Digging Up Roots
#1. ROOT ASSASSIN Mini Garden Shovel
The Root Assassin Mini Garden Shovel is a small, lightweight shovel that packs a punch with its sharp teeth and curved shape. It is strong enough to dig through many different surfaces like dirt, mulch, ice, and even concrete. The Root Assassin attaches to the end of your shovel handle thanks to its innovative design; it simply slides in between the metal rods inside the handle making installation easy. The mini garden shovel has a sharp V-shaped blade that cuts through roots like butter when you are digging up your garden or yard. The blade is made out of stainless steel and the teeth on the top of the shovelhead are sharp and pointed for maximum efficiency. Its handle has a comfortable grip D-shaped design to avoid blisters during use, and it can be used with both hands if necessary.
This product comes with its own storage pouch that attaches to your belt for convenience. The Root Assassin works with most shovel handles and is designed to last for years of use without wearing out.
Pros:
- Stainless steel blade cuts through roots easily
- Fits onto any shovel handle
- Comes with its own storage pouch
- Conveniently attached to your belt
- Sharp teeth cut deep into the ground
- D-shaped handle can be used with both hands
Cons:
The blade is not razor sharp – but good enough for digging through grass and roots
#2. Radius Garden 22011 Root Slayer Shovel
The Radius Garden 22011 Root Slayer is a round-point shovel that has an extra-long, tapered blade that is sharpened on the front and back to give you maximum digging capabilities. The point of the shovel can be used for planting bulbs or seedlings, while the sharp edges allow you to cut through grass and roots with ease. The sharpened backside of the shovel blade can also be used as a hoe for digging trenches or planting annuals. When it comes to dealing with tough, stubborn roots you will not beat this shovel so long as you don’t mind its weight. The Radius Garden Root Slayer has an extended handle that is about six feet long, which allows you to get leverage when digging deep into the ground. It has a hickory handle with a steel shaft so it can support any kind of weight, and it is finished with an attractive brown stain to protect the wood from damage over time. The Shovel is an all-steel construction shovel designed to rip through the toughest Root. This tool is incredibly durable and designed to last for years without defects.
Pros:
- The sharp blade is able to cut through roots easily
- A strong, extended handle gives you plenty of leverage
- Durable steel construction is built to last for years
- Attractive brown stain prevents rusting and chipping
- The blade has a V-shape design for maximum efficiency
- Hickory handle provides exceptional comfort
Cons:
- The extended handle can make you over-exert yourself
#3. True Temper 2586100 Round Point Forged Shovel
The True Temper 2586100 Round Point Forged Shovel is a high-quality digging tool that is designed to handle tough jobs like sod moving and landscaping. The pointed blade easily cuts through roots, rocks, gravel, dirt, and even ice. The shovel weighs about five pounds and is made out of high carbon steel which is forged and heat-treated to make it stronger than regular steel. The handle is made out of hickory wood for increased durability, and the shovel has a lathed design with a round point for easier penetration into any surface you are digging in.
This product comes pre-sharpened from the manufacturer so you don’t have to worry about whetting the edges before use. The True Temper Forged Round Point Shovel is a very popular tool among gardeners in need of a good shovel for digging up dirt and sod. Its sharp blade easily cuts through roots, rocks, and other tough surfaces with ease making it a great addition to any tool shed. The True Temper 2586100 Forged Round Point Shovel has an attractive golden finish that will not rust or chip and is built to last for years of reliable use.
Pros:
- Easy to store in your tool shed or garage
- The sharp edge can cut through roots and most other surfaces with ease
- The high carbon steel blade is very sturdy and durable
- Hickory handle is long-lasting and provides comfort
- The blade has a round point for smooth penetration into the soil
Cons:
The shovel may be too heavy for some people to use comfortably
#4. Fiskars 46 Inch Steel D-handle Digging Shovel
The Fiskars 46 Inch Steel D-handle Digging Shovel is a round point shovel that has a sharpened blade with edges on both sides to give you maximum digging capabilities. The blade is serrated and gets the job done no matter what task you need to complete. If you are cutting through roots or tough soil, this shovel is the one you want. The D-handle provides extra comfort and control so you can dig with ease, and it also has a fiberglass shaft for added durability. The Fiskars 46 Inch Steel Digging Shovel comes pre-sharpened from the manufacturer to save you time before using it. It is made out of hardened steel and is designed to last a lifetime of reliable use.
The Fiskars 46 Inch Steel Digging Shovel is a durable shovel that has a sharp blade made out of hardened steel for added durability. The D-handle provides plenty of grip and control and can be used as a hoe or digging tool depending on your needs. The Fiskars 46 Inch Steel Digging Shovel is designed to cut through roots with ease and has a fiberglass shaft for added durability.
Pros:
- A sharp blade can cut through roots with ease
- D-handle provides plenty of grip control
- Fiberglass handle makes it durable enough to last years if cared for properly
- Fiskars is a well-known brand that offers superior products
- The blade has serrated edges to provide extra cutting power
- A pre-sharpened blade saves you time before using it
Cons:
- The wood handle may break if not cared for properly
#5. Spear Head Spade Gardening Shovel
This Spear Head Spade is a heavy-duty digging tool that has a sharpened spearhead design for maximum digging and cutting power. The blade and handle are both made out of carbon steel which is resistant to rust and chipping, and the fiberglass shaft adds extra durability. This shovel also includes an ergonomic D-handle with a shoulder strap for added comfort while digging. The Spear Head Spade Gardening Shovel can be used to cut through roots with ease and is strong enough to dig up any surface you need to work on.
The Spear Head Spade Gardening Shovel is a durable shovel that has a sharp blade made out of carbon steel for improved cutting power. The handle is made out of fiberglass and an ergonomic D-handle for comfort while digging. The Spear Head Spade Gardening Shovel has a spearhead design which makes it perfect for cutting through roots.
Pros:
- A sharp blade makes it easy to cut through dirt and roots
- The blade can be used as a knife in a pinch
- Ergonomic D-handle provides comfort while digging
- Carbon steel resists rust and chipping
- Fiberglass handle adds durability
- Serrated edge for maximum cutting power
Cons:
The metal may rust if not cared for properly by keeping it dry after use, oiling the screws to prevent them from rusting, and wiping it down with a light coat of oil after every use.
#6. Radius Garden 22311 Root Slayer Nomad
The Radius Garden Root Slayer is designed to cut through roots while digging in your garden or yard. It has a serrated blade that can be used for either pushing or pulling when digging up the dirt and other surfaces. The blade is sharp on both sides of the shovel to provide you with maximum cutting power. This tool is strong enough to even cut through roots, but it can also be used as a hoe or planting tool if needed. It comes with a fiberglass handle and has an eyebolt at the end for added durability and hanging purposes.
The Radius Garden Root Slayer is a durable shovel that has sharp blades for maximum cutting power. It has serrated edges on both sides of the blade which makes it perfect for digging up dirt or roots. This tool also comes with an ergonomic handle for added comfort while digging, and can be used as other tools if needed to plant or level surfaces.
Pros:
- Serrated blades make it perfect for cutting through dirt, roots, and other surfaces
- The blade can be used as a hoe or planting tool if needed
- Sharp blades make digging up dirt much easier to do
- Ergonomic handle provides comfort while digging
- Large eyebolt at the end for hanging purposes
- Fiberglass handle adds extra durability if needed
Cons:
The serrated edges make it hard to pull out dirt or roots and may break if not careful when digging.
#7. Bully Tools 82510 14-Gauge Round Point Shovel
The Bully Tools Round Point Shovel is designed for any job you need to complete in the garden. It has smooth, rounded edges so you won’t cut yourself while using it and can be used for both digging and cutting through roots. The blade is made of hardened carbon steel which makes it resistant to rust and chipping, and it also has a fiberglass handle that adds extra durability. This shovel is designed with comfort in mind and is perfect for any landscaping or gardening job you have to do.
The Bully Tools Round Point Shovel is a durable shovel that has smooth, rounded edges to prevent injuries while digging. It has a hardened carbon steel blade which makes it resistant to rust and chipping when used properly, and the fiberglass handle adds extra durability if needed. This shovel is designed to be ergonomic and provides comfort while digging for dirt, roots, or any other surface you may need to work on.
Pros:
- Smooth rounded edges prevent injuries when using it
- The blade can be used to push or pull dirt or other surfaces
- Carbon steel resists rust and chipping
- Ergonomic handle provides comfort while digging
- Fiberglass handle adds extra durability if needed
- Perfect for any landscaping or gardening job
Cons:
Sharp edges may cause injuries if not careful when using it.
#8. ROOT ASSASSIN One-Shot Garden Shovel
The Root Assassin is designed to cut through dirt and roots as you dig in your yard or garden. It has a smooth blade that can be used for either pushing or pulling when digging up dirt, and the rounded edge prevents injuries from occurring while using it. The blade is made of high carbon steel and has a fiberglass handle that adds extra durability. This shovel also comes with a sharpener for the blade if needed, and can be hung up for added convenience.
The Root Assassin is a durable shovel that has smooth blades to cut through dirt or roots while digging. The rounded edges prevent injuries from occurring while using it, and the handle is made of fiberglass for extra durability when needed. This tool comes with a sharpener for the blade and can be hung up for added convenience.
Pros:
- A smooth blade is perfect for pushing or pulling while digging
- Sharpener included keeping the blade sharp when needed
- Rounded edges prevent injuries from occurring while using it
- Handle made of fiberglass for extra durability if needed
- Comes with a hanging eye hole for added convenience
- Blade made of high carbon steel is resistant to rust and chipping
Cons:
The blade may bend or chip if not careful when digging through roots or dirt
#9. MARTHA STEWART MTS-MDS1 27-Inch Mini Round Point Shovel
Martha Stewart designed the Mini Round Point Shovel with Wood Handle to give you an ergonomic, comfortable fit while digging in your garden or flower bed. It has a sharp blade that is perfect for cutting through dirt and roots but is also rounded so it won’t hurt your hands when digging. This shovel comes with a sharpener to keep the blade sharp if needed and has a hanging eyehole to allow for easy storage.
The Martha Stewart MTS-MDS1 is designed to provide an ergonomic fit while digging in your garden or flower bed. It has a sharp blade that cuts through dirt and roots easily but is rounded so you won’t injure yourself from it. The sharpener keeps the blade sharp if needed, and it has a hanging eyehole that allows for easy storage.
Pros:
- The sharp blade is perfect for cutting through dirt and roots easily
- Handle designed to provide comfort while digging
- Blade rounded so you don’t injure yourself with it
- Sharpener included keeping blade sharp when needed
- Hanging eyehole for easy storage
Cons:
Sharp edge may cut or injure you if not careful while digging
#10 TABOR TOOLS Shovel with Rounded Blade
The Tabor Tools shovel is designed to be lightweight and comfortable so you can dig up your yard without any pain or discomfort. It has a 24-inch angled blade that can be used for pushing or pulling dirt and is made of high carbon steel to prevent rusting while digging. The blade is rounded so you won’t get injured from it when digging, and the head is attached with epoxy to prevent chipping while using it.
The Tabor Tools shovel features a lightweight design to prevent pain and discomfort while digging. It has a 24-inch angled blade that can be used for pushing or pulling dirt, and the head is attached with epoxy to prevent chipping. The blade is also grounded so you won’t injure yourself from it when using it.
Pros:
- The lightweight design prevents pain and discomfort while digging
- The 24-inch blade is perfect for pushing or pulling dirt
- Blade rounded for protection against injuries when digging
- Head attached with epoxy to prevent chipping
Cons:
The metal may rust if not careful after using it in wet conditions or puddles of water Edge may chip if used roughly
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Buying Guide For Best Shovel For Digging Up Roots
Blade Shape
The blade shape is an important part of the shovel that you should take into consideration before purchasing.
Round Point Blade:
The round point blade is designed to prevent injuries from occurring when digging and doesn’t have any sharp or jagged teeth on the edge. It’s perfect for digging up dirt and roots with ease, and some models can be used as a shovel as well as a spade. The round edges are great for comfort when digging up your yard, but may dig slower than other blade types.
The round edges are better than flat ones because they’re less likely to hurt your hands while digging in your garden beds, and won’t scratch your furniture if accidentally dropped on it. Round blades are also great for cutting through dirt or root beds and ensure the dirt is more likely to fall off than get stuck on it.
Serrated Blade:
The serrated blades are designed to prevent slipping when digging but have sharp edges for cutting through dirt. The edges are great for cutting through tough dirt or roots but can be dangerous to use if not careful while digging. If you choose a serrated blade then you should wear gloves so you don’t injure yourself from the jagged teeth.
Inverted “V” Blade:
The inverted “V” blade is designed to dig into the ground with ease and has a sharp edge for cutting through dirt. The design allows the shovel to cut deeper than most others and makes it much easier to remove plants and roots from your garden beds. This type of blade is great if you want something that will make removing plants and weeds an easier task, but they can be dangerous if not used correctly.
The design of the edge allows the shovel to dig into the ground with ease, and is great for cutting through dirt or roots. They make it much easier to remove your plants or weed from your garden beds but are dangerous if you’re not careful when digging.
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Blade Material
Steel:
The heavier the blade, the more durable it will be for digging up dirt and roots. If you have a heavier garden shovel then you won’t have to worry about the blade breaking or bending if it gets stuck. A heavy-duty garden shovel is great for digging in hard soil and should be used by professionals who need to dig several times a day.
Aluminum:
An aluminum blade will normally be lighter than steel, but just as durable. The metal used to make them is much stronger than plastic, and has a lightweight design that makes it perfect to carry with you while gardening. Aluminum is also rust-proof, which will prevent the blade from getting dull and rusty over time with regular use.
Plastic:
If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, then plastic blades are great because they’re significantly lighter than steel or aluminum blades. The lighter weight can be a great benefit for people who have trouble with their backs or need to use a lightweight shovel when digging in flower beds. Plastic blades can sometimes bend if they get stuck in the dirt, but are still a good choice for anyone who doesn’t want to spend a lot of money on a garden tool.
Shovel Weight
The lighter the shovel, the less likely you are to get tired after using it for long periods of time while digging in your flower bed or garden beds. A lightweight shovel will also be easier for kids to use when helping with yard work but may have lower durability than steel. A lightweight shovel is a great choice if you have problems with your back, or need to dig in places that are hard to reach.
Handle Length
If you have back issues, or if your yard is really large, then you should consider looking for a shovel with a longer handle. The longer handle will help reduce the strain on your back while digging in gardens and flower beds but can be harder to store in smaller garages or sheds.
Handle Material
The material used to make the handle can make it more comfortable to use and should be one of your main considerations when buying a new garden shovel. Most are made out of wood or plastic for regular use, but anything outside that range may be harder to grip while digging in dirt or grass.
Steel:
The steel handle is the strongest material used to make a garden shovel and can handle all types of weather. The strong metal will not easily break or bend if you hit something while digging in dirt or grass but is often heavier than other materials. Steel is great for people who have bad backs, as the weight makes it more comfortable to dig with.
Aluminum:
An aluminum handle is significantly lighter than steel but just as strong. Aluminum is rust-proof and won’t easily break or bend even if the shovel gets stuck in the ground while digging. The lightweight material can be great for kids or people with bad backs because it’s easier to carry around while digging in hard soil.
Hardwood:
Hardwood handles are the most comfortable and durable material used for garden shovels and should be chosen by anyone with back problems. They’re more weather resistant than plastic or aluminum, and you won’t need to worry about rusting over time even if they get stuck in dirt or mud.
Fiberglass:
Fiberglass handles are a little heavier than hardwood but have the same durability. The material will still be strong enough to handle digging in dirt and grass without getting stuck while being lighter than steel or aluminum blades. Fiberglass is a great choice for anyone with back problems because it’s extremely comfortable to carry around while digging in your flower bed.
Grip
A comfortable grip can make it easier to dig for longer periods of time, and should be considered by anyone with frequent yard work. In general, a rubber grip will be the most comfortable as it’s weather-resistant and won’t slip out of your hand while digging in dirt or grass.
O-Handle:
The O-Handle grip is found on most shovels made for kids or people that have bad backs. The grip is easy to hold onto even if you’re digging extremely deep holes, and will be the least likely to slip out of your hand while digging in dirt or grass. The O-shape can also make it easier to grab the dirt out of a hole without getting your hands dirty.
D-Handle:
The D-Handle grip is usually found on shovels made for adults to use as a regular garden tool. The grip is easier to hold onto than other types of handles and will be more comfortable after long periods of digging. The sturdy design means the blade won’t easily break if it gets stuck in the ground while digging but isn’t weather resistant like rubber handles.
T-Handle:
The T-handle is usually found on heavier shovels that are meant for professional gardeners or people with strong backs. The grip will be more comfortable than O or D handle designs, and you won’t need to worry about slipping out of your hands while digging in dirt or grass. The T-shape can get in the way of digging out dirt from a hole, though, and it takes more strength to get the blade unstuck from an object because you have to pull toward your body to dig.
Straight Handle:
Straight handle shovels are the most difficult to use since they’re harder to fit into small holes or dig out dirt from a hole. They can still be useful in areas that require lots of digging but aren’t good for people with bad backs or need something easy to carry around while digging in garden beds.
Summary
Choosing a garden shovel that matches the weight of the material is important if you don’t want to get fatigued while digging in your flower bed. Lightweight shovels are usually made with plastic, but metal blades will last longer and won’t bend over time. Plastic blades can be a great choice for anyone who needs a lightweight shovel due to back problems or trouble carrying heavyweights, but steel is most durable if you have bad back problems. The handle length should be chosen based on the average yard size, with longer handles being great for anyone with back issues.
If your garden beds are large, then you’ll want a shovel with a long handle to reduce the strain on your back. Handle material can also play a role in reducing back pain, with hardwood being the most comfortable. Fiberglass handles are durable but heavier, while aluminum handles are lightweight yet strong for longer dig sessions. Grips are great because they help prevent you from dropping your shovel when digging in dirt or grass, but rubber grips will be the most weather resistant even if you stick your shovel into wet soil.
Spade Vs Shovel
Spades are great to use for digging in tight spaces as they have a straight, flat bottom. The blades on spades also come to a sharp point so you can dig them to the proper depth without breaking the earth’s crust too much. Spade blades may be made of steel or plastic, and their blades usually extend all the way to the top of their wooden handles for added stability.
Shovels are perfect to use for digging in larger spaces, or when you need to move large clumps of dirt. They come in many different shapes and sizes depending on what you’re using them for. Their blades also range from very pointed tips to flattened edges, but usually the wider the blade, the less pointed it is. Shovel blades may be made of steel or plastic as well, and their handles usually come with either a rubber grip below the neck or a D-handle on top for added stability.
FAQ: Best Shovel For Digging Up Roots.
What shovel is best for digging up roots?
The best shovel for digging up roots is the one that makes you feel comfortable and doesn’t hurt your hands when digging.
How do you shovel a root?
You can shovel a root by breaking it apart from the ground or digging until you find its stem. You can also cut off any side roots and loosen the entire root using your shovel.
How do you dig up tough roots?
To dig out tree roots, start by cutting through the ground at its edge and continue towards the center of the root. You can also dig around the root and pull it out if it’s small enough to fit in your hand.
You can use a sharp shovel with a pointed or rounded blade to cut tough roots. Using a sharp blade will also prevent the root from breaking apart as you’re digging for it.
Conclusion:
Which Shovel to Get for Digging Roots? Ultimately, it all comes down to your preference when deciding which shovel to use. If you feel most comfortable with a shovel that has a thinner, flatter blade without any serrated edges, go with the best suitable choice. If you feel most comfortable with a shovel that has a thicker blade, go with your most suitable option. And if your favorite feature is comfort due to its lightweight design and smooth rounded edges, go with the Martha Stewart Mini Round Point Shovel or the Tabor Tools Shovel with Rounded Blade.
The Root Assassin is often seen as the best because of its sharp, thin blade allowing it to be more efficient than other shovels. However, if you’re looking for something that is easier on your hands and may bend rather than break upon impact with hard soil (and roots), go with the Martha Stewart.
