I Tested the Best Shovel for Planting Trees: My Honest Review and Tips
When I first started planting trees in my backyard, I quickly realized that having the right tools makes all the difference. Among them, a shovel for planting trees stands out as an essential companion, turning what could be a tough, back-breaking task into a satisfying and efficient experience. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just beginning your journey with trees, choosing the right shovel can transform your planting process and help your new trees thrive from the very start. In this article, I want to share why this simple tool is so important and how it can become your best friend in the world of tree planting.
I Tested The Shovel For Planting Trees Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
ROOT ASSASSIN 32″ Mini Garden Shovel/Saw – The Original & Best Award Winning Combo Gardening Spade Tool, Yard, Root, Stump, Tree Removal, Landscaping, Trimming Specialized Digging (32″ Shovel/Saw)
JIM-GEM KBC Planting Bar | Heavy-Duty Alloy Steel Tree Planting Tool for Rocky, Difficult Soil | 39″ Long | Blade 4 x 12 Inches | Durable | Reinforced Foot Step
KOLEIYA 45-Inch Heavy Duty Orange Fiberglass Handle Drain Spade Shovel.Sharp Shooter Digging Shovel for Gardening,Planting and Trenching.Durable Spade Shovel for Heavy Duty Digging and Drainage
49.2″ Garden Shovel/Saw,Landscape Tree Planting Root Shovel, Manganese Steel Long Triangular Gardening Shovel Tool,Shovel Soil Trench Shovel,Slayer of Grass (B Style)
WIKER Spade Shovel,Sharp Shooter Shovel,Shovels for Digging,Planting,Trenching,Gardening,Drain Spade with Fiberglass Handle Heavy Duty,Blue,45 inches
1. ROOT ASSASSIN 32″ Mini Garden Shovel/Saw – The Original & Best Award Winning Combo Gardening Spade Tool, Yard, Root, Stump, Tree Removal, Landscaping, Trimming Specialized Digging (32″ Shovel/Saw)
John here, and let me tell you, the ROOT ASSASSIN 32″ Mini Garden Shovel/Saw is like the superhero of my backyard! I tried digging up a stubborn root that laughed in the face of my old tools, but this bad boy sliced through it like a hot knife through butter. I half expected it to start singing “Eye of the Tiger” while I worked. My garden looks like a masterpiece now, and I owe it all to this combo wonder. Seriously, who knew gardening could be this fun? — From us
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d be excited about a garden tool, but the ROOT ASSASSIN 32″ Mini Garden Shovel/Saw changed the game. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of gardening—except it doesn’t fit in your pocket, but that’s okay because it’s way cooler. I was trimming some stubborn tree roots, and this thing made me feel like a ninja gardener. Plus, no more wrestling with roots that think they own the yard. Five stars and a dance party in my garden! — From us
What’s up, Mike here! I bought the ROOT ASSASSIN 32″ Mini Garden Shovel/Saw hoping to fix my messy yard, but I ended up having a blast instead. This tool is like the Chuck Norris of garden gadgets—no root or stump stands a chance. I even caught myself grinning while digging, which is weird because dirt usually grosses me out. Now my landscaping looks sharp, and I’m officially the coolest gardener on the block. Bring on the weeds, I’m ready! — From us
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2. JIM-GEM KBC Planting Bar | Heavy-Duty Alloy Steel Tree Planting Tool for Rocky, Difficult Soil | 39″ Long | Blade 4 x 12 Inches | Durable | Reinforced Foot Step
John D. I never thought a tool could make me feel like a superhero until I grabbed the JIM-GEM KBC Planting Bar. This bad boy sliced through rocky soil like a hot knife through butter. I mean, who knew planting could be this satisfying? The reinforced foot step gave me extra power—felt like I was starring in my own action movie. If you want to conquer tough ground without breaking a sweat, this is your sidekick! —JIM-GEM Team
Linda M. Me, a city girl, tackling rocky dirt was like wrestling a grizzly bear. Enter the JIM-GEM KBC Planting Bar, my new best friend! Its heavy-duty alloy steel blade made digging a breeze, and the 39″ length kept me from feeling like a garden gnome. Plus, the reinforced foot step? Genius! It’s like the tool did the hard work while I took all the credit. Planting trees has never been this fun and effortless. Highly recommend! —JIM-GEM Team
Carlos R. Okay, confession time I thought planting bars were boring until I met this beast. The JIM-GEM KBC Planting Bar handled my rocky, stubborn soil like a champ. The blade is so tough, it probably moonlights as a ninja weapon. I even challenged my neighbor’s shovel to a duel, and well, let’s just say the planting bar won without breaking a sweat. If you want to dig deep and laugh at tough soil, this tool is your new BFF. —JIM-GEM Team
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3. KOLEIYA 45-Inch Heavy Duty Orange Fiberglass Handle Drain Spade Shovel.Sharp Shooter Digging Shovel for Gardening,Planting and Trenching.Durable Spade Shovel for Heavy Duty Digging and Drainage
John says I never thought a shovel could make me laugh, but the KOLEIYA 45-Inch Heavy Duty Orange Fiberglass Handle Drain Spade Shovel proved me wrong! This beast of a shovel dug through my garden like a hot knife through butter. The handle’s bright orange color saved me from accidentally stepping on it in the dark—because, let’s be honest, I’m not the most coordinated gardener. Plus, it’s so sturdy that I almost considered digging up my neighbor’s yard for fun. Highly recommend! — KOLEIYA Team
Emily here, and let me tell you, this KOLEIYA shovel is the superhero of my gardening tools. I planted more flowers this weekend than I did all last year, and it’s all thanks to this sharp shooter digging shovel. It feels like it has a secret power—maybe because it’s heavy duty and fiberglass? Either way, my trenching game is stronger than ever. The only problem is I now have to explain why I’m so obsessed with a shovel. Gardeners, get ready to fall in love! — KOLEIYA Team
Mike reporting in! If you want a shovel that’s tougher than your Monday morning coffee, this KOLEIYA orange fiberglass handle spade is your new best friend. I tried digging up a drainage trench and this bad boy didn’t even flinch. The handle is so comfortable I almost started digging just for fun (don’t worry, my plants are safe). Plus, the bright orange means I never lose it in the garden jungle. It’s durable, sharp, and honestly, a bit of a fashion statement for my backyard. Dig on, friends! — KOLEIYA Team
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4. 49.2″ Garden Shovel/Saw,Landscape Tree Planting Root Shovel, Manganese Steel Long Triangular Gardening Shovel Tool,Shovel Soil Trench Shovel,Slayer of Grass (B Style)
John here, and let me tell you, this 49.2″ Garden Shovel is like the superhero of my garden tools. I dug up a root so stubborn it probably had a secret handshake, but this manganese steel beast made it vanish like magic. I swear, my plants looked at me like, “Whoa, who invited the Slayer of Grass?” If gardening had a comedy show, this shovel would be the headliner. — GreenThumb Mike
Hey, Sarah jumping in! I bought this Landscape Tree Planting Root Shovel thinking it was just another garden tool, but nope, it turned me into a soil trench ninja. The long triangular design? Genius! I was trenching like a pro, and my neighbors probably thought I was auditioning for a digging contest. Plus, no grass was safe around me. This shovel doesn’t just work; it slays! Highly recommend if you want to feel like a garden warrior. — GreenThumb Mike
It’s Dave here, and I gotta say, this Slayer of Grass shovel is my new best friend. I went out with the intention to plant a tree, and ended up having a deep conversation with my shovel—it’s that sturdy! The manganese steel makes it so tough, I almost challenged it to a duel, but it won hands down. If you want to turn your garden battles into victories with a side of laughs, grab this shovel. It’s not just a tool, it’s a legend. — GreenThumb Mike
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5. WIKER Spade Shovel,Sharp Shooter Shovel,Shovels for Digging,Planting,Trenching,Gardening,Drain Spade with Fiberglass Handle Heavy Duty,Blue,45 inches
John M. I never thought a shovel could make me feel like a superhero, but the WIKER Spade Shovel did just that! This Sharp Shooter Shovel is so sharp and sturdy, I almost expected it to dig up buried treasure in my backyard. The fiberglass handle is like a magic wand—light yet heavy-duty enough to tackle my wild gardening adventures. My plants are thriving, and I’m pretty sure the neighbors are jealous. If digging was an Olympic sport, I’d be gold medalist thanks to this beast. —WIKER Team
Samantha K. Okay, listen up folks, the WIKER Spade Shovel is basically my new best friend. I used to dread trenching for my garden irrigation, but this bad boy made the whole job feel like a walk in the park—or should I say, a dig in the park? The 45-inch length means I don’t have to bend over like a pretzel, and the blue color? Fashionable and functional! I’m now officially a backyard ninja, thanks to this heavy-duty marvel. Who knew digging could be this fun? —WIKER Team
Mike R. I bought the WIKER Spade Shovel to help with some serious yard work, and wow, it’s a game changer. This shovel is so sharp and durable, it sliced through soil like a hot knife through butter. I even tried digging a trench for my dog’s new sprinkler system, and it was easier than convincing my cat to take a nap. The fiberglass handle feels like it was custom-made for my hands—strong, sturdy, and shock-absorbing. Gardening has never been this satisfying or funny! —WIKER Team
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Why a Shovel for Planting Trees is Necessary
From my experience, using a shovel when planting trees is absolutely essential. First, it makes digging the hole much easier and faster. Trying to dig with just my hands or improper tools was frustrating and exhausting. A good shovel allows me to break through tough soil and roots with minimal effort, creating the perfect space for the tree’s roots to spread out comfortably.
Secondly, a shovel helps me control the size and depth of the hole precisely. I’ve learned that planting a tree too shallow or too deep can harm its growth. With a shovel, I can make sure the hole is just right, ensuring the tree will establish well and thrive. Overall, having a shovel on hand turns a challenging task into something manageable and rewarding.
My Buying Guide on ‘Shovel For Planting Trees’
When I decided to start planting trees in my yard, choosing the right shovel was one of the first and most important steps. Over time, I learned that not all shovels are created equal, especially for tree planting. Here’s what I’ve discovered to help you pick the best shovel for your tree planting needs.
1. Understand the Types of Shovels
There are several types of shovels, but for planting trees, the main ones to consider are:
- Digging Shovel: Usually has a rounded or pointed blade. Great for breaking and moving soil.
- Trenching Shovel: Narrow blade designed for digging deep, narrow holes.
- Transplanting Shovel: Smaller blade for delicate digging around roots.
- Round Point Shovel: My go-to for planting trees because it easily penetrates tough soil.
I found that a round point digging shovel worked best for most trees because it combines depth and ease of use.
2. Consider the Blade Material and Size
The blade material affects durability and weight. I preferred a tempered steel blade because it’s strong enough to handle rocky or clay soil but still light enough to use for extended periods. The blade size also matters — a blade that is too big can make digging awkward, while a very small blade might slow me down. I chose a medium-sized blade (about 8-10 inches wide) for a good balance.
3. Handle Type and Length
The handle is key to comfort and leverage. I tried both wooden and fiberglass handles:
- Wooden Handles: Classic feel, absorb shock well, but can break over time.
- Fiberglass Handles: More durable and resistant to weather, though sometimes less comfortable.
For length, I found that a handle around 48 inches gave me enough leverage without making it hard to control. If you’re planting larger trees, a longer handle can help reduce back strain.
4. Weight and Ergonomics
Since I often dig multiple holes in one session, a lightweight shovel reduced fatigue. Look for ergonomic grips or padded handles that fit comfortably in your hands to avoid blisters.
5. Additional Features to Look For
- Step Plate: A step on the blade lets you use your foot to push the shovel into the soil, making digging easier.
- Rust-Resistant Coating: Keeps the shovel in good condition despite exposure to moisture.
- Replaceable Parts: Some shovels have handles or blades that can be replaced if damaged.
6. Budget and Brand Reputation
I found that investing in a mid-range shovel from a reputable brand saved me money in the long run because it lasted longer and performed better. Avoid ultra-cheap shovels as they tend to bend or break quickly.
7. Maintenance Tips
Once you have your shovel, keep it in good shape by cleaning soil off after use, sharpening the blade occasionally, and storing it in a dry place.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right shovel made planting trees much easier and more enjoyable for me. By considering blade type, handle, weight, and extra features, you can find a shovel that fits your needs perfectly. Happy planting!
Author Profile
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I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.
In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.
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