Planting trees and shrubs is a rewarding endeavor, but it requires the right tools. A good spade is essential for digging the perfect hole, ensuring your new plants have the best start. We’ve scoured the market to find the best spades that make this job easier and more effective, whether you’re dealing with tough soil or delicate roots. Here are our top picks for the best spade for planting trees and shrubs.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 6 Best Spade For Planting Trees And Shrubs Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Heavy Duty 45-Inch Long Narrow Spade Shovel
The heavy duty 45-inch long narrow spade shovel with cutting blade & foot rest pedal offers exceptional quality and performance. Its 15” long narrow spade is designed for easy penetration, allowing you to navigate around roots and borders effortlessly. The 3mm thick saw teeth blade is robust enough for tough gardening tasks, and the compact 30″ splicing handle ensures easy maneuverability and storage.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Long, narrow spade head for easy soil penetration and root navigation.
- ✓ Durable 3mm thick saw teeth blade that can be sharpened.
- ✓ Compact and ergonomic 30″ splicing handle for better control and storage.
- ✓ Built-in footrest pedal for added leverage and reduced effort.
Why We Recommend It
This spade is a fantastic all-rounder for planting tasks. Its thoughtful design prioritizes both efficiency and user comfort, making it a reliable choice for various gardening projects. It’s built to last and handle challenging soil conditions with ease.
Best For
Ideal for gardeners who need a robust and versatile spade for planting trees, shrubs, and tackling various digging tasks with less strain.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent for cutting through tough soil and roots.
- Ergonomic handle design reduces fatigue.
- Durable construction ensures longevity.
- Footrest provides extra stability and leverage.
Cons:
- The saw teeth might require occasional sharpening for optimal performance.
- May be slightly heavier for some users compared to lighter models.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: Great for the price. Helped to dig a narrow trench and clean out the bottom. Saw is ok nothing special. Will cut small ground roots.
Customer Review: If you have a small job with few roots, this is the tool for you. Assembly was fairly easy though I question their choice of screws a bit and had my own tools rather than the ones provided. But this is NOT a heavy duty trenching shovel. It flexes fairly easily when you need resistance. I found i
2. Spear Head SHFD3 40″ Red Garden Spade Shovel
The Spear Head SHFD3 40″ Red Garden Spade Shovel with a steel-reinforced handle is engineered for comfort and durability. Its 9″ x 11″ blade is perfectly sized for gardening tasks, and the auto-seeking spear-shaped blade easily cuts through tough soil. The steel-reinforced fiberglass handle is lightweight yet incredibly robust, making it a pleasure to use for extended periods.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Spear-shaped blade for effortless soil penetration.
- ✓ Steel-reinforced fiberglass handle for strength and lightness.
- ✓ Ergonomic design for comfortable use during long gardening sessions.
- ✓ Weather-resistant materials ensure longevity.
Why We Recommend It
This spade is a top performer for any gardener looking for efficiency and comfort. Its ability to cut through hard ground and its comfortable handling make planting jobs much more manageable. It’s a tool that feels like an extension of your body.
Best For
Home gardeners and landscapers who need a reliable and comfortable spade for planting, transplanting, and general garden bed preparation.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent at cutting through tough soil and roots.
- Lightweight yet very sturdy construction.
- Comfortable to hold and use for extended periods.
- Durable materials resist weathering.
Cons:
- The spear point might not be ideal for broad soil excavation compared to wider spades.
- Color options are limited to specific shades.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: Best spade ever. Cuts through hard soil and roots to remove invasive shrubs and vines once and for all. Great for uprooting and dividing clumps of perennials. Comfy to use, lightweight but extremely sturdy. You definitely need this one!
Customer Review: This shovel is amazing. I’ve used a typical pointed spade forever but saw a gardener review this one and had to try it. Worth the purchase. As a longtime gardener myself I appreciate that it’s lightweight with just the right handle length. It’s easy to shove into the ground and hoist plants when tr
3. Spear Head SHFD3 40″ Yellow Garden Spade Shovel
This Spear Head SHFD3 40″ Yellow Garden Spade Shovel offers the same excellent performance as its red counterpart, but at a potentially more budget-friendly price. It features the same comfortable, steel-reinforced fiberglass handle and the effective spear-shaped blade designed for easy soil entry. It’s a great value option for anyone needing a reliable spade.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Sharp, spear-shaped blade for cutting through tough soil.
- ✓ Sturdy and lightweight steel-reinforced fiberglass handle.
- ✓ Comfortable grip for extended use.
- ✓ Durable construction ensures it lasts season after season.
Why We Recommend It
For those looking for a high-quality spade without breaking the bank, this yellow Spear Head model is an excellent choice. It delivers on performance and comfort, making it perfect for planting trees and shrubs or any other digging task.
Best For
Budget-conscious gardeners who still want a durable and effective spade for various planting and digging needs.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Great value for the quality.
- Cuts through soil effectively.
- Ergonomically designed for comfortable handling.
- Resistant to rust and corrosion.
Cons:
- The pointed blade is best for digging, not for moving large volumes of soil.
- Yellow color might not be everyone’s preference.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: Best spade ever. Cuts through hard soil and roots to remove invasive shrubs and vines once and for all. Great for uprooting and dividing clumps of perennials. Comfy to use, lightweight but extremely sturdy. You definitely need this one!
Customer Review: This shovel is amazing. I’ve used a typical pointed spade forever but saw a gardener review this one and had to try it. Worth the purchase. As a longtime gardener myself I appreciate that it’s lightweight with just the right handle length. It’s easy to shove into the ground and hoist plants when tr
4. Spear Head SHFD3 40″ Teal Garden Spade Shovel
The Spear Head SHFD3 40″ Teal Garden Spade Shovel is another excellent option from Spear Head, offering the same robust construction and user-friendly design as its counterparts. The teal color adds a touch of personality to your gardening tools. It’s perfect for piercing tough soil and making planting holes for trees and shrubs.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Efficient spear-shaped blade design.
- ✓ Durable and lightweight fiberglass handle with steel reinforcement.
- ✓ Comfortable grip minimizes hand strain.
- ✓ Suitable for various digging and planting tasks.
Why We Recommend It
This spade offers a fantastic balance of durability, comfort, and digging power. The teal finish is a nice touch, making it stand out in your tool collection. It’s a reliable choice for getting those planting jobs done efficiently.
Best For
Gardeners looking for a reliable, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing spade for digging and planting.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Easily penetrates compacted soil.
- Lightweight for ease of use.
- Strong and durable construction.
- Appealing teal color.
Cons:
- Primarily designed for digging, not for moving large amounts of soil.
- The handle length may be too short for some taller users.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: Best spade ever. Cuts through hard soil and roots to remove invasive shrubs and vines once and for all. Great for uprooting and dividing clumps of perennials. Comfy to use, lightweight but extremely sturdy. You definitely need this one!
Customer Review: This shovel is amazing. I’ve used a typical pointed spade forever but saw a gardener review this one and had to try it. Worth the purchase. As a longtime gardener myself I appreciate that it’s lightweight with just the right handle length. It’s easy to shove into the ground and hoist plants when tr
5. 60-Inch Adjustable Long Handle Trench Spade
This 60-inch Adjustable Long Handle Trench Spade is designed for ease of use and efficiency, especially for digging trenches or deep holes. Its unique 4-inch V-shaped blade concentrates force for effortless digging, while the long handle allows for upright digging, saving your back. The adjustable handle length makes it a versatile tool suitable for gardeners of all heights.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Innovative 4-inch V-shaped blade for concentrated digging force.
- ✓ 60-inch adjustable handle allows for upright, back-saving digging.
- ✓ Customizable length to fit users of different heights.
- ✓ Designed for easy digging and landscaping tasks.
Why We Recommend It
If you frequently need to dig trenches or deep holes for planting, this spade is a game-changer. Its ergonomic design and adjustable features make it comfortable and efficient, reducing physical strain. It’s a great option for tackling larger landscaping projects.
Best For
Gardeners who need to dig trenches, plant larger items, or prefer an upright digging posture to protect their back.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Significantly reduces back strain due to upright digging design.
- Adjustable handle provides a custom fit.
- V-shaped blade is effective for cutting through soil.
- Durable construction.
Cons:
- Can feel a bit heavy after prolonged use.
- The V-shape is more specialized for trenching than general planting.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: So far I’m really liking this 60 inch long trenching shovel. All together you’ve got a 60 inch long shovel, it has the V point and the spade itself is 4 inches wide and 11 inches long. You can shorten the handle or make it longer by mixing and matching the 3 individual pieces of tubing that was used
Customer Review: This is a decent shovel overall and it looks nice right out of the box. It feels solid and well built, not flimsy at all. That said, it is on the heavy side. For someone younger or used to heavier yard tools, it might not be an issue, but for me it definitely feels weighty after using it for a bit.
6. Spear & Jackson 1047MY Planting & Rabbiting Spade
The Spear & Jackson 1047MY Planting & Rabbiting Spade is a solid, heavy-duty tool designed for tougher jobs. Its forged carbon steel head provides exceptional strength, making it ideal for digging in heavy clay soil or transplanting shrubs. While it excels at digging, it’s also versatile enough for general gardening tasks.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Solid forged carbon steel head for maximum durability.
- ✓ Specifically designed for planting and rabbiting tasks.
- ✓ Excellent for digging in heavy clay soil.
- ✓ Robust construction ensures a long lifespan.
Why We Recommend It
For those who frequently encounter tough soil conditions, this Spear & Jackson spade is a reliable workhorse. It’s built to withstand rigorous use and perform consistently, making it an invaluable tool for any serious gardener. It’s a testament to quality craftsmanship.
Best For
Gardeners dealing with heavy or clay soil who need a very strong and durable spade for planting and other demanding tasks.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely durable and heavy-duty construction.
- Effective for digging in challenging soil types like clay.
- Suitable for transplanting small shrubs and bushes.
- Reliable performance season after season.
Cons:
- May be heavier than other spades, potentially causing fatigue for some.
- Not ideal for moving large volumes of loose soil.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: This is a great little shovel. If it was a bit bigger, say 1 inch longer and 1 inch wider, would be about perfect. Shape cuts into soil and roots easily. Best for digging out perennials and small shrubs and dividing perennials. Not designed to move soil, so use another shovel to dig holes. Well
Customer Review: This is a great little shovel. If it was a bit bigger, say 1 inch longer and 1 inch wider, would be about perfect. Shape cuts into soil and roots easily. Best for digging out perennials and small shrubs and dividing perennials. Not designed to move soil, so use another shovel to dig holes. Well
Complete Buying Guide for Best Spade For Planting Trees And Shrubs
Essential Factors We Consider
When choosing the best spade for planting trees and shrubs, we look at several key factors. The type of soil you’re working with is crucial; some spades are better for clay, while others excel in rocky ground. We also consider the blade’s shape and size – a narrow, pointed blade is great for cutting through roots and dense soil, while a wider blade helps move more earth. Handle length and material are important for comfort and leverage; ergonomic designs and durable materials like fiberglass or steel-reinforced wood reduce strain and increase longevity. Finally, the overall construction quality ensures the spade can withstand frequent use.
Budget Planning
Spade prices can vary significantly based on brand, materials, and features. While budget-friendly options are available, investing in a slightly more expensive spade often means better durability and performance, especially if you deal with challenging soil or garden frequently. Consider the long-term value; a well-made spade can last for many years, making it a cost-effective choice over time. For planting trees and shrubs, we generally recommend spades in the mid-price range, which offer a good balance of quality and affordability.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the right spade can make a significant difference in your gardening experience. A tool that fits your needs and the demands of your soil will make planting less of a chore and more of a joy. Always consider your specific gardening conditions and personal comfort when making your choice, and remember that a good spade is an investment in your garden’s future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What type of spade is best for planting trees and shrubs?
A: For planting trees and shrubs, a narrow, pointed spade is generally recommended. This shape allows for easier penetration into the soil, especially around roots, and helps in digging precise holes without disturbing surrounding areas. Models with a sharpened edge or saw teeth can also be beneficial for cutting through tough roots.
Q: How important is the handle length for a spade?
A: Handle length is very important for comfort and ergonomics. A spade with a handle that’s too short can cause you to bend excessively, leading to back strain. Conversely, a handle that’s too long might be difficult to control. Ideally, the handle should allow you to stand upright or with a comfortable bend while working.
Q: What material should the spade blade be made of?
A: Spade blades are commonly made from steel. For durability and rust resistance, stainless steel is an excellent choice. Carbon steel is also strong and durable, though it may require more maintenance to prevent rust. Look for blades that are at least 2-3mm thick for robust use.
Q: Can I use any spade for rocky soil?
A: While any spade can be used in rocky soil, some are better suited. A strong, durable spade with a reinforced blade and a sturdy handle is essential. Spades designed for heavy-duty use or those specifically recommended for rocky soil will perform better and are less likely to bend or break.
Q: How do I maintain my spade to ensure it lasts?
A: Proper maintenance is key to a spade’s longevity. After each use, clean the blade to remove dirt and debris. If it’s a steel spade, consider applying a light coat of oil to prevent rust. Store your spade in a dry place, away from moisture.
Choosing the right spade for planting trees and shrubs is crucial for successful gardening. A well-designed spade will not only make the digging process easier but also contribute to the health and growth of your plants. We hope this roundup has provided you with the insights needed to select the perfect tool for your garden. Happy planting!