Ever stared at a patch of stubborn grass and wondered if there’s a magic tool to conquer it? We’ve all been there, battling weeds and overgrown lawns, feeling like we’re fighting a losing war against nature. The truth is, sometimes the simplest tools are the most effective, especially when it comes to tackling tough turf.
Choosing the right shovel for digging up grass can feel like a surprisingly big decision. You want something that’s strong enough to slice through roots without bending, light enough to swing without tiring you out, and comfortable enough to use for hours. Get it wrong, and you’ll end up with blisters, a sore back, and a half-finished job. But find the perfect one, and that overgrown patch becomes manageable.
This post is here to help you navigate the world of shovels specifically designed for digging up grass. We’ll break down what makes a shovel great for this task, explore different types, and offer tips on finding the one that will make your yard work a whole lot easier. Get ready to discover your new favorite gardening companion!
Our Top 5 Shovel For Digging Up Grass Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Shovel For Digging Up Grass Detailed Reviews
1. Fiskars 46″ Spade Garden Shovel
Rating: 9.4/10
Tackle your toughest garden jobs with the Fiskars 46″ Spade Garden Shovel. This shovel is built for serious gardening. Its sharp steel blade makes quick work of cutting through grass and turf for perfect lawn edging. You can also use it to dig and turn over even hard-packed soil. It’s a real workhorse for making your garden look its best.
What We Like:
- The all-steel construction makes it super strong and resistant to rust.
- The teardrop-shaped shaft and big D-handle are designed to be comfortable. They help you dig with less effort and reduce tiredness.
- The steel blade stays sharp even after a lot of use, meaning it will last a long time.
- Fiskars tools are known for being well-made and easy to use. This shovel is no exception and makes gardening more enjoyable.
- It comes with a lifetime warranty, so you can trust its quality.
What Could Be Improved:
- While durable, its all-steel build means it’s not the lightest tool available, which might be a consideration for some users.
- The flat spade design, while great for edging, might be slightly less effective for scooping loose materials compared to a pointed shovel.
This Fiskars shovel is a dependable tool that will help you maintain a beautiful garden for years to come. It’s a smart investment for any gardener looking for durability and performance.
2. 32″ Mini Root Assassin Garden Shovel/Saw – The Original & Best Award Winning Combo Gardening Spade Tool
Rating: 8.5/10
Tackling tough garden jobs just got a whole lot easier with the 32″ Mini Root Assassin Garden Shovel/Saw. This award-winning tool is designed to be your go-to for everything from slicing through stubborn roots to digging deep into the soil. Its unique combination of a shovel and a saw makes it a real game-changer for any gardener or landscaper.
What We Like:
- The serrated shovel edges easily cut through roots and weeds, making your work faster.
- Its enhanced shovel shape and curved tip are great for slaying tough plant growth.
- The tool effortlessly cuts through roots and other tough things in the dirt.
- A sturdy D-shaped metal handle with a rubber coating provides comfort while you dig.
- The pointed tip lets you dig deeper and gives you more power.
- It’s made of reliable carbon steel and comes with a lifetime replacement guarantee.
What Could Be Improved:
- While effective, the “mini” size might be less ideal for very large stump removal projects.
This Root Assassin shovel/saw is a powerful and comfortable tool that will help you get more done in your yard. You can trust it to handle even the most challenging digging tasks.
3. Nohovu Spade Shovel for Digging
Rating: 8.6/10
Ready to tackle your garden like a pro? The Nohovu Spade Shovel for Digging, Heavy Duty Shovel with D-Handle, Trench Shovel for Gardening, 45 Inches is here to make your outdoor projects a breeze. This shovel is built tough to help you with all sorts of gardening tasks, from planting flowers to digging stubborn weeds.
What We Like:
- It makes digging easy, even in hard ground.
- The shovel head is made of strong carbon steel that won’t bend.
- A rust-resistant coating keeps it looking good and working well.
- The D-handle is comfortable and helps you get a good grip.
- The solid wood handle is smooth and won’t hurt your hands.
- It’s the perfect size at 45 inches long and weighs just 4 pounds.
- The wide tread lets you push down with your foot easily.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the shovel is durable, the rust-resistant coating might wear down over many years of heavy use.
- The product is a bit heavy for some people who prefer lighter tools.
This Nohovu shovel is a fantastic gardening companion that truly gets the job done. You’ll find it’s a reliable tool for all your digging needs.
4. HANTOP Spade Shovel Garden Flat Trenching Shovel for Digging Gardening Planting Edging
Rating: 9.3/10
Meet the HANTOP Spade Shovel Garden Flat Trenching Shovel, your new best friend for all your gardening needs. This sturdy shovel is built to tackle tough jobs in the yard. Its smart design makes digging, planting, and edging easier. It’s also a fantastic gift for anyone who loves to garden.
What We Like:
- The 43-inch handle gives you good reach and leverage.
- The 1050MN steel head is strong and built to last.
- The fiberglass handle is lightweight yet durable.
- The unique sawtooth blade cuts through hard soil easily.
- Wide foot platforms give you extra control and power when digging.
- It’s perfect for many tasks like digging trenches, planting, and moving soil.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 4.5 lb weight might feel a bit heavy for some users during long digging sessions.
- While the PP hand grip is comfortable, some users might prefer a more ergonomic grip.
This HANTOP shovel is a reliable tool that will help you conquer your gardening projects. It’s a great addition to any gardener’s toolkit.
5. Jardineer Garden Shovels for Digging with Long Handle
Rating: 8.7/10
Tired of struggling with tough garden jobs? The Jardineer Garden Shovels for Digging with Long Handle, Root Shovel for Cutting Roots with Comfortable Grip is here to make your life easier. This shovel is designed to help you dig, cut roots, and tackle all sorts of garden tasks with less effort.
What We Like:
- It cuts through tough soil and roots with ease thanks to its sharp, serrated blade.
- The forged steel construction means it won’t bend or break, even when you’re really digging in.
- The T-shaped handle is comfortable and helps reduce strain on your back and wrists, making it great for everyone, especially seniors.
- It’s a 2-in-1 tool that can dig, transplant, and cut roots, saving you from needing multiple tools.
- The narrow blade is perfect for working in tight spots between plants or pipes.
- It saves you time and effort, making gardening tasks more efficient.
- Assembly is simple with clear instructions, and they offer helpful after-sales support.
What Could Be Improved:
- The narrow blade is not ideal for moving large amounts of loose soil.
This Jardineer shovel is a fantastic tool for any gardener looking for efficiency and comfort. It’s built to last and makes even the hardest digging jobs feel manageable.
Choosing the Right Shovel for Grass Removal
Tackling a lawn renovation or expanding a garden bed? A good shovel is your best friend. But not just any shovel will do when you’re digging up grass. You need a tool designed for the job. This guide helps you find the perfect shovel to make grass removal easier.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you’re digging up grass, you need a shovel that cuts cleanly and lifts efficiently. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Sharp, Flat Blade
A sharp, flat blade is crucial. It slices through grass roots with less effort. Look for a blade that’s at least 6 inches wide. A wider blade helps you remove more sod in each scoop. Some shovels have a slightly curved blade, which can also be effective for lifting and rolling sod.
Strong and Durable Handle
The handle connects you to the shovel. It needs to be strong enough to handle the force you’ll apply. Fiberglass and steel handles are excellent choices. They resist breaking and bending. Wooden handles can also work, but they might be heavier and can splinter over time.
Comfortable Grip
You’ll be using this shovel a lot. A comfortable grip prevents blisters and hand fatigue. Many shovels have padded or ergonomic grips. These grips absorb shock and give you a better hold, even when your hands are sweaty.
Blade Shape and Angle
A spade shovel is often the best choice for digging up grass. These have a flat or slightly rounded blade with a sharp edge. This shape helps you get under the sod and cut through roots. A transfer shovel, with its pointed tip, is better for loose soil, not compacted grass.
2. Important Materials
The materials used in a shovel directly impact its performance and lifespan.
Blade Material
Most good shovels use steel for the blade. Stainless steel is great because it resists rust. Carbon steel is also strong but might need a bit more care to prevent rust. Avoid shovels with plastic blades; they won’t hold up to digging grass.
Handle Material
Fiberglass handles are lightweight and very durable. They don’t conduct electricity, which is a nice safety feature. Steel handles are also strong but can be heavier. Hardwood like ash is a traditional choice and can be comfortable, but it’s more prone to damage.
Grip Material
Rubber or soft plastic grips offer the best comfort. They provide cushioning and a secure hold. Some handles have a T-grip, which is a crossbar at the end. This can give you extra leverage but might not be as comfortable for everyone.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all shovels are created equal. Here’s what makes a difference.
Blade Thickness and Tempering
A thicker blade is generally more durable. Tempered steel is heat-treated to make it stronger and more resistant to bending. A well-tempered blade will last much longer.
Joints and Connections
Check how the handle attaches to the blade. A strong, secure connection is vital. Welded joints are usually better than ones that are just riveted. A shovel with a reinforced socket where the handle meets the blade will be more robust.
Weight and Balance
A shovel that’s too heavy will tire you out quickly. A well-balanced shovel feels natural in your hands. Try to pick up a few different models to see how they feel. The weight should feel distributed evenly.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you’ll be using your shovel.
Ease of Use
A good grass-digging shovel should be easy to push into the ground and lift. The sharp blade and comfortable handle make a big difference. You want a tool that helps you work efficiently, not one that makes the job harder.
Durability and Longevity
If you plan to do a lot of yard work, invest in a shovel that will last. High-quality materials and construction mean your shovel won’t break after a few uses. It should be able to handle tough soil and roots season after season.
Specific Tasks
While this guide focuses on digging up grass, a good spade shovel is also useful for edging garden beds, planting trees, and general digging. Having a versatile tool is always a plus.
Choosing the right shovel for digging up grass makes a tough job much more manageable. Focus on a sharp blade, a strong handle, and comfortable grip. Your back and your lawn will thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best type of shovel for digging up grass?
A: The best type of shovel for digging up grass is a spade shovel. It has a flat or slightly rounded blade with a sharp edge, which is perfect for cutting through sod and roots.
Q: Should the shovel blade be sharp or pointed?
A: For digging up grass, a sharp, flat blade is much better than a pointed one. The sharp edge slices through the grass and roots more effectively.
Q: What materials are best for the shovel blade?
A: Steel, especially stainless steel or tempered carbon steel, is best for the shovel blade. These materials are strong and durable.
Q: Are fiberglass handles better than wood?
A: Fiberglass handles are often preferred because they are lightweight, strong, and don’t splinter like wood can. They also resist moisture.
Q: How wide should the shovel blade be?
A: A blade that is at least 6 inches wide is ideal. A wider blade lets you remove more sod with each scoop, making the job faster.
Q: What makes a shovel handle comfortable?
A: Comfortable handles have padded or ergonomic grips. These grips help reduce hand fatigue and prevent blisters.
Q: How can I tell if a shovel is good quality?
A: Look for thick, tempered steel blades and strong connections between the handle and blade, like welding. A well-balanced shovel also indicates good quality.
Q: Can I use a garden shovel for digging up grass?
A: A sturdy garden shovel with a flat, sharp blade (like a spade) can be used. However, a dedicated sod spade might be even more efficient.
Q: How do I maintain my grass-digging shovel?
A: Clean the blade after each use to remove dirt and grass. You can lightly oil steel blades to prevent rust. Store it in a dry place.
Q: Is weight an important factor when choosing a shovel?
A: Yes, weight is important. A shovel that is too heavy will make the job much harder and cause fatigue. Look for a shovel that is well-balanced and not excessively heavy.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!