Best Shovel For Planting Trees and Digging Holes

It will also offer other factors to consider in order to make an informed choice for your tree planting needs. This guide also provides other factors that you should consider when making a decision about your tree planting.

In this detailed review article, you’ll learn about which is the best shovel for planting trees and digging holes in your garden.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Tree Planting Shovel

• The blade material: Strength and durability are important. Steel blades are preferable to plastic or fiberglass when dealing with tough soil or roots.
• Shape: A pointed or narrow blade will create a clean, deep hole. Round blades can be used to pick up loose soil but may not penetrate as well at first.
• Length: Longer handles provide leverage and reduce strain when digging deeper holes.
• The handle should be made of a strong, lightweight material like metal or fiberglass. Wooden handles may feel comfortable but can crack under pressure.
• Footstep By using an extra-large foot platform you can drive the blade into the ground with more force.

Additional considerations

• You’re Strength and Stature: If you have limited upper body strength or are shorter in stature, then a lighter-weight shovel might be easier to use. If you are able to handle a heavier shovel, it will provide more force and power for digging deeper holes.
• Types of soil: Sandy or loose soil can be handled easily by the majority of shovels on this list. Clay and rocky soils may require a shovel that has a stronger blade with a sharper edge.
• Radius Garden’s Radius Garden 202 PRO, which is durable and ergonomic, may be an option worth considering if you are planning to plant trees frequently. This will provide comfort and reduce fatigue.

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Selecting the best shovel for planting trees

Your needs and conditions for planting will determine the “best” shovel. This is a guide to help make your decision:

• For soil with light soil or small trees: VNIMTI Transplanting Shovel or Fiskars Spade Shovel
• Radius Garden Root Shovel, or Hooyman Digging Shovel for soil that is infested by roots
• Radius Garden Ergonomic Shovel for comfort and larger hole.
• For general digging and value: Fiskars Transplanting spade or Hooyman Digging Shoes

Tips for planting trees beyond the choice shovel

• Watering: Newly planted trees need to be regularly watered, especially during the first year.
• Size: The hole size should be 2-3 times larger than the diameter of the base.
• Mulching Spread an even layer around the base of the plant to control weeds, regulate temperature and keep soil moist.
• Planting a tree at the best time: The right time to plant trees depends on the climate and the species. It is recommended that you plant your tree in the early spring or the late fall.
• Sustainable tree planting: A tree can be a great way to protect the environment. These are some tips for sustainable tree planting.
  • Select native tree species: Planting indigenous plants supports local eco-systems and provides food and refuge for wildlife.
  • Plant a healthy tree: Select trees from nurseries that have a good reputation and are free of pests and diseases.
  • Select the best location to plant your trees. Consider mature tree size, sun needs, and underground utilities which may interfere with planting.
• Find native trees by using
  • The Arbor Day Foundation: https://www.arborday.org/
  • The National Wildlife Federation: https://www.nwf.org/trees-for-wildlife
  • The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map: https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/

Planting a tree can improve the environment and beautify your landscape.

Top 6 Tree Planting Shovel Showdown

1. Fiskars 46 Inch Steel D-handle Transplanting Spade

Built for Lasting

• Get rid of your wooden tools. The shaft is made of 18-gauge steel and the blade is 14-gauge stainless. This makes it more durable than fiberglass and less prone to flexing.
• Comfort is first: With a large D-handle, you can use the tool with both hands even when wearing gloves. Because of its teardrop shape, this shaft provides comfort.
• Digging easily: Sharpened blades can easily break apart hardened dirt clods.

Key Features

• Durable steel construction
• Extra-large D handle for a firm grip
• Teardrop-shaped shaft for comfort
• Sharpen blades to allow for easy penetration
• Extra-large foot platform for greater leverage

Product Specification

• Size & Weight 2.88 x 8.5 x 46.88 0.28 Pounds lbs
• Material: Alloy Steel (handle), Alloy Steel (blade)
• Brand: Fiskars

Pros and Cons

2. ROOT ASSASSIN 48″ Garden Shovel: Dig Deep, Dig Easy

This root assassin garden shovel will help you tackle your toughest digging jobs!

The compact powerhouse is ideal for many tasks in the yard and garden, including:

• How to prepare your garden beds: Prepare soil for planting.
• Digging ditches with ease. Create irrigation or drainage channels.
• Uncovering root vegetables and potatoes with ease:
• Cleaning ditches: Maintain proper drainage and prevent flooding.
• Digging trenches. Ideal for installing pipes, cables, or edging.

Built for last

• Unmatched strength: Heavy duty head construction 1050MN provides exceptional durability, and can handle the most demanding tasks.
• Digging with a sharp blade is simple: The blade cuts the soil quickly and efficiently.
• Comfortable Grip: This high-quality PP handle features a wide, D-shaped design for a comfortable and secure grip.
• This lightweight shovel is easy to use and weighs just 4.4 pounds. The long-term use of the shovel reduces fatigue.

Product Specifications

• Size and weight: 48*6* 2 inches
• Material: Rubber carbon steel
• Brand: Root Assassin

Pros and Cons

Do you want to get rid of stubborn roots with ease?

HANTOP has a root-cutting saw that is designed to remove difficult roots. This tool is perfect for cutting through tough terrain because of its serrated edges and sturdy construction.

3. VNIMTI Spade Shovel: Your Compact Champion for Transplanting

Comfort & Durability

• Strong and lightweight: Made from high-strength alloy steel, this shovel is built to last while remaining easy to use for gardeners of all strengths.
• Comfy D-grip handle: The ergonomic design provides ample leverage for lifting soil from deep holes, reducing strain on your back.
• Sure grip, even when wet: The textured wood handle offers a comfortable and secure grip, even with wet hands.

The VNIMTI Spade Shovel is a versatile tool for various gardening tasks, including:

• Removing weeds: The sharp blade makes quick work of unwanted plants.
• Digging drainage ditches: The narrow, long head creates efficient drainage channels.

Product Specifications

• Material: Alloy Steel (blade), Wood (handle)
• Color: Red, Brown, Black (availability may vary)
• Brand: VNIMTI
• Dimensions:
  • Length: 45 inches
  • Width: 6 inches
  • Height: 1 inch
• Weight: 3 lbs
• Handle Length: 8.5 inches
• Grip Type: Ergonomic D-grip

Key Features:

• Lightweight (3 lbs) for easy use
• Long, narrow blade (45″ x 6″) for precise transplanting
• Strong alloy steel construction
• Comfortable D-grip handle with textured wood (8.5″ length)
• Ideal for tight spaces and tough soil

VNIMTI Spade Shovel – The perfect partner for a flourishing garden!

Pros and Cons of VNIMTI Spade Shovel

4. Radius Garden Root Slayer Shovel: Annihilate Roots, Save Your Back

Unearthing your garden dreams is a battle against stubborn roots? The Radius Garden Root Slayer Shovel is your conquering hero!

Comfort You Can Count On

• Reduced Back Strain: The long, ergonomic handle with a D-grip provides excellent leverage, minimizing back pain during digging.
• Secure Grip: Even with gloves on, the comfortable handle ensures a firm hold, keeping you in control.

Key Features

• V-shaped, serrated blade for effortless root cutting
• Durable, powder-coated carbon steel construction (blade and handle)
• Long, ergonomic D-grip handle for comfort and leverage
• Multi-functional for various digging tasks (planting, edging, pavers)
• Lifetime warranty (continental US only)

Product Specifications:

• Material: Carbon Steel (blade and handle)
• Color: Red
• Brand: Radius Garden
• Dimensions:
  • Length: 45 inches
  • Width: 10.5 inches (at widest point of blade)
  • Height: 3.8 inches
• Weight: 5 lbs
• Blade Specs:
  • Thickness: 2.5 mm (slightly thicker than 13 gauge)
  • Length: Nearly 13 inches
  • Steps: 3.5 inches
• Handle Material: Carbon Steel
• Grip Type: Ergonomic D-grip

The Radius Garden Root Slayer Shovel – Conquer your garden, not your body!

Pros and Cons

Please note

• This shovel may be priced higher than standard transplanting spades due to its specialized design.
• The V-shaped blade may not be ideal for creating perfectly round holes, but it excels at breaking through roots and compacted soil.

Radius Garden offers various shovels such as:

1. Radius Garden Razor Shovel:

• Ideal for creating trenches in tough soil (clay or hard-packed).

2. Radius Garden Sawtooth Shovel:

Multi-functional tool with a sawtooth blade.

• Functions as a hatchet or saw for cutting through stubborn roots.
• Features a sturdy, long-lasting blade.

3. Radius Garden Root Slayer Shovel:

• Sharp rip saw teeth for cutting roots.
• Long shaft for extra leverage, ideal for all gardeners.
• Sharpened, inverted-V edge for easy penetration into hard soil and root cutting.
• O-Handle design for comfortable and pain-free digging.

Key Takeaways

• Radius Garden offers various shovels with specialized features.
• Choose the shovel that best suits your gardening needs (trenching, root cutting, etc.).

5. Radius Garden 202 PRO Ergonomic Stainless-Steel Shovel: Dig Deeper, Effortlessly

This innovative shovel combines classic design with modern features for a superior experience:

• Conquer Any Soil: The slightly cupped, super-strong stainless-steel blade tackles clay, rock, sand, and everything in between.
• Effortless Digging: The patented O-grip handle with extra-wide forward step provides exceptional leverage, reducing hand and wrist strain.
• Built to Last: The resin-encased carbon steel shaft and stainless-steel blade ensure long-lasting durability, even for professional use.

Comfort You Can Feel

• Say Goodbye to Pain: The ergonomic O-grip handle with a soft, non-latex material is designed for comfort, minimizing hand and wrist fatigue.
• All-Day Performance: The lightweight design and comfortable grip allow you to dig for extended periods without discomfort.

Key Features

• Slightly cupped, super-strong stainless-steel blade (perfect for various soil types)
• Resin-encased carbon steel shaft for durability
• Patented ergonomic O-grip handle with extra-wide forward step for comfort and leverage
• Lightweight design for all-day use
• Lifetime guarantee (continental US only)

The Radius Garden 202 PRO Ergonomic Stainless-Steel Shovel – Dig smarter, not harder!

Product Specifications

• Material: Stainless Steel (blade), Resin-encased Carbon Steel (shaft)
• Color: Original Green
• Brand: Radius Garden
• Dimensions:
  • Length: 41.3 inches
  • Width: 8.5 inches (blade)
  • Height: 3.5 inches
• Weight: 5.07 lbs
• Grip Type: Ergonomic O-grip handle
• Blade Style: Round Point

Please note: This shovel may be priced higher than standard transplanting spades due to its premium materials and ergonomic design.

Pros and Cons

6. Hooyman Digging Shovel with Heavy-Duty Carbon Steel Head Construction

Looking for a tough, reliable shovel that tackles any digging project? The Hooyman Digging Shovel is your answer.

Built to Last

• Reliable Construction: The carbon steel handle complements the strong blade, creating a shovel built to endure.
• Limited Lifetime Warranty: Hooyman stands behind their product with a limited lifetime warranty, guaranteeing peace of mind.

Key Features

• Heavy-duty 1050MN carbon steel blade for exceptional durability
• Oversized steps (2.5″ x 2.25″) on both sides for increased leverage
• Ergonomic, no-slip H-Grip handle for comfort and control in all conditions
• Custom blade serration for cutting through roots and tough soil
• Limited Lifetime Warranty

The Hooyman Digging Shovel – Dig like a pro, with confidence!

Product Specifications

• Material: Alloy Steel (blade and handle)
• Color: Black and Green
• Brand: Hooyman
• Dimensions:
  • Length: 60.25 inches
  • Width: 9 inches
  • Height: 3 inches
• Weight: 4.5 lbs
• Grip Type: Ergonomic H-Grip
• Is Foldable: No

Please note: This shovel may be heavier than some transplanting spades due to its robust construction. However, the added weight translates to increased durability and power.

Here is a comparison table for the Tree Planting Shovel mentioned, detailing their key features to help professionals choose the best shovel for their needs:

Feature	Fiskars Transplanting Spade	HANTOP Spade Shovel	VNIMTI Spade Shovel	Radius Garden Root Slayer Shovel	Radius Garden 202 PRO Ergonomic Shovel	Hooyman Digging Shovel
Blade Material	Steel (14-gauge)	Steel	Steel	Stainless Steel	Stainless Steel	Carbon Steel
Blade Shape	Pointed	Sharp, narrow	Long, narrow	V-shaped	Cupped	Heavy-duty
Handle Length	46 inches	44 inches	Long	Long	Long	Around 60 inches
Handle Material	Steel	D-grip with rubber grip	Wood	Fiberglass	O-grip	H-grip

Additional Considerations

• This table provides a general comparison, and specific features may vary depending on the model.
• Consider image results for each shovel to get a clearer picture of the blade design and handle type.

Choosing the Right Shovel

The best shovel for you depends on your individual needs. Refer to the pros and cons table and to make an informed decision.

Conclusion

Planting trees is an investment in the future. Choosing the right shovel can make the process more enjoyable and efficient. By considering the factors mentioned above and the strengths and weaknesses of each shovel, you can select the perfect tool to help your new trees thrive for years to come.

FAQ’s About Shovels for Digging Holes

Use the pointed or round trowel when digging holes in hard soil. When planting trees, use a tree planting spade.