Best Shovel For Digging Up Shrubs: Top Choices

The Root Slayer RS220 is the best shovel for digging up shrubs because its serrated blade cuts roots with less strain.

Have you ever tried to move a shrub, only to meet a web of roots under hard soil? A plain digging shovel may bend, slip, or leave you hacking at the ground with a hand tool. The right shovel makes this work faster and kinder to your back. I looked at blade shape, handle length, root-cutting power, grip comfort, weight, and value to find the best shovel for digging up shrubs in small beds, yards, and tight planting spaces. The picks below suit different jobs, from thick roots to light transplanting.

Root Slayer RS220 Serrated Garden Shovel

The Root Slayer RS220 stands out when a shrub has tough roots that run through firm soil. Its pointed blade helps you enter the ground, while the serrated sides can saw through smaller roots as you work. That design gives it a clear edge over a basic round-point shovel for shrub removal. I also like the compact profile because it offers control near fences, borders, and other plants.

This shovel is best used with a steady foot press and a short rocking motion. It is not a magic tool for giant tree roots, but it can make common shrub roots much less frustrating. The black finish gives it a clean look, while the heavy-duty build suggests a tool made for repeated garden use. For many yards, this is the best shovel for digging up shrubs when root cutting matters most.

Pros:

• Serrated blade helps cut through small and medium roots
• Pointed shape enters compact soil with less slipping
• Shorter design improves control around established plants
• Useful for shrub removal, edging, and root trimming
• Strong choice for gardeners who need one focused digging tool
• Distinct blade design makes hard root work more manageable

Cons:

• Serrated edges need careful storage and handling
• May require more effort against very thick woody roots
• Compact digging tools may not suit users who prefer a long handle

My Recommendation

I recommend the RS220 for homeowners who remove old shrubs, divide large plants, or maintain beds with dense roots. It suits users who want more cutting power than a standard garden spade can offer. The serrated edge is the main reason I rank it first for the best shovel for digging up shrubs. It offers strong value when root work is a regular part of your yard care.

Fiskars 57-Inch Heavy-Duty Digging Shovel

The Fiskars 57-inch digging shovel is a strong general-purpose choice for large garden tasks. Its long straight handle lets you work while standing, which can reduce repeated bending during shrub removal. The steel construction gives the blade the firm feel I want when breaking into packed soil. Its classic shape also makes it useful for planting, trenching, and moving loose dirt.

This shovel does not have a serrated root-cutting edge, so it works best when you loosen soil before dealing with major roots. Its long handle gives good leverage, especially when you push the blade deep and lift a root ball. For tall users, the reach can feel more natural than a short spade. If you need the best shovel for digging up shrubs and also want a daily yard shovel, this Fiskars model is a sensible choice.

Pros:

• 57-inch length supports a more upright digging posture
• Steel blade handles common digging and lifting jobs
• Long handle provides useful leverage in hard soil
• Versatile for planting, trenching, edging, and shrub work
• Good fit for taller gardeners and larger garden beds
• Familiar full-size shape is easy to use and maintain

Cons:

• Straight edge is less effective on tangled roots than a serrated blade
• Long handle may feel awkward in narrow beds
• Full-size design can be tiring for smaller users during long jobs

My Recommendation

I would choose the Fiskars for a homeowner who wants one full-size shovel for many outdoor tasks. It is especially useful for tall gardeners and anyone who prefers to keep their back straighter while digging. It may not be the top root cutter, but its leverage and reach make shrub removal easier when you first loosen the soil. As an all-around alternative to the best shovel for digging up shrubs, it offers dependable value.

41-Inch Round Shovel with D-Handle

This 41-inch round shovel offers a useful middle ground between a full-size shovel and a compact garden spade. The round point can enter soil without the wide edge of a square spade getting in the way. Its D-handle gives you a firm upper grip when lifting soil or pulling out a loosened shrub. The shorter length also makes it easier to control in small beds.

I see this model as a flexible tool for gardeners who move between yard work, beach use, car storage, and garden projects. It can loosen soil around a shrub and lift a moderate root ball with good balance. However, it lacks a dedicated serrated edge for slicing roots. If your shrubs are young or your soil is already soft, this can be a practical and affordable option.

Pros:

• 41-inch length balances reach and close control
• Round point works well in many soil types
• D-handle supports lifting and pulling motions
• Useful for small yards, raised beds, and garden borders
• Versatile design works for digging, sand, and light snow tasks
• More portable than a very long-handled shovel

Cons:

• Round blade does not directly saw through roots
• Shorter reach may require more bending for tall users
• May feel less powerful in deep, compact ground

My Recommendation

This shovel fits casual gardeners who need a flexible tool for seasonal work. I would pick it for smaller shrubs, loose beds, and users who value a D-grip. It is not my first choice for thick roots, but it can serve well when paired with a pruning saw or loppers. For light shrub digging and general use, it offers a balanced alternative to the best shovel for digging up shrubs.

33-Inch Compact D-Grip Digging Shovel

The 33-inch compact shovel is made for jobs where a full-length tool feels too large. Its small profile works well in tight garden spaces, around walls, and beside plants you want to keep. The D-grip gives a secure hold when you press the blade into soil. The fiberglass shaft also helps keep the tool portable for camping, vehicles, and off-road use.

For shrubs, this shovel is most useful during the early part of the job. You can use it to open a narrow trench, expose roots, and lift loosened soil. Its smaller blade may require more passes around a large shrub, but that can be a fair trade for better control. I would not call it the best shovel for digging up shrubs in a large open yard, yet it is a smart pick for small beds and light users.

Pros:

• Compact length works in tight planting areas
• D-grip improves control during close digging
• Portable size fits camping gear and emergency kits
• Lightweight design may reduce fatigue for smaller users
• Useful for edging, trenching, and spot digging
• Easy to store in a garage, shed, or vehicle

Cons:

• Short shaft can cause more bending for many adults
• Small blade moves less soil per pass
• Not the best fit for large shrubs or deep root balls

My Recommendation

I recommend this compact shovel for gardeners with small borders, tight spaces, or limited storage. It also suits people who find long tools hard to control. Choose it for light shrub removal, root exposure, and short digging sessions. If portability matters more than maximum leverage, this is a useful small alternative to the best shovel for digging up shrubs.

43.3-Inch Small Round-Point Digging Shovel

This small round-point shovel gives gardeners a bit more reach than a mini spade without becoming a full-size landscape shovel. The pointed tip can enter firm ground, while the rounded blade is useful for scooping and lifting. Its 43.3-inch handle should feel manageable in most beds and borders. The design also makes it suitable for camping, landscaping, trenching, and off-road storage.

When removing a shrub, I would use this shovel to work in a circle around the plant. Start several inches away from the main stems, then dig deeper as you find the root ball. The blade can handle ordinary soil, but it does not include teeth for direct root sawing. That makes it a good general tool, though not the strongest choice when roots are the main obstacle.

Pros:

• Pointed tip helps start cuts in firm soil
• 43.3-inch length offers useful reach without excess bulk
• Round shape scoops soil and lifts loose material well
• Suitable for landscaping, camping, and garden digging
• Portable size fits users who dislike oversized tools
• Good general option for small and medium shrubs

Cons:

• No serrated edge for cutting stubborn roots
• Small blade may slow work on a large root ball
• Handle length may still require bending for very tall users

My Recommendation

This model is best for people who want a compact round-point shovel with more reach than a hand spade. It works well for young shrubs, softer soil, and mixed garden jobs. I would pair it with a pruning saw if you expect woody roots. It is a steady general-purpose choice, but the Root Slayer remains my pick for the best shovel for digging up shrubs when cutting power is important.

Jardineer 45-Inch Serrated Root Shovel

The Jardineer Thickened Root Shovel is built around the same idea that makes root shovels useful: a serrated edge can help break through roots as you dig. Its 45-inch length provides a comfortable middle range for many gardeners. The blade shape should give you enough reach for shrub removal while keeping more control than a very long landscape shovel. It is a focused tool for beds where roots slow every step.

I like this design for users who want a dedicated root shovel but do not need the shortest possible model. A serrated blade can bite into smaller roots with a push-and-saw motion, which may reduce the need to switch tools. Use care around irrigation lines and nearby plants, since a sharp edge can cut more than intended. In my view, it is one of the strongest candidates for the best shovel for digging up shrubs.

Pros:

• Serrated edge helps work through tangled shrub roots
• 45-inch handle offers a useful balance of reach and control
• Thickened design suits demanding garden tasks
• Dedicated root-shovel shape reduces tool changes
• Helpful for transplanting, dividing, and removing established plants
• Good option for users who want more reach than a compact spade

Cons:

• Serrated blade requires careful handling and storage
• May be more tool than needed for soft soil and small plants
• Root work can still require a saw for thick woody growth

My Recommendation

I recommend the Jardineer for gardeners who face roots often but want a moderate-length handle. It is especially useful for old shrubs, crowded beds, and soil that resists a plain spade. The serrated edge is its biggest advantage. If the RS220 is unavailable or you prefer a 45-inch format, this is a strong contender for the best shovel for digging up shrubs.

31-Inch Small Curved D-Handle Shovel

This 31-inch shovel is a compact tool for close work. Its curved D-handle gives the hand a natural place to rest and can help with controlled lifting. The small format is useful beside shrubs, in raised beds, and around garden features. It also makes sense for camping, car storage, and children’s supervised outdoor tasks.

For shrub digging, this tool works best when you need to expose roots rather than remove a large mature plant in one pass. The short shaft lets you guide the blade with care, which can help protect nearby flowers. Still, the same short length limits leverage and may make a long job harder on the back. It is a handy support tool, but not my first choice for the best shovel for digging up shrubs.

Pros:

• Compact size offers excellent control in tight beds
• Curved D-handle supports a secure two-handed grip
• Easy to store in small sheds, trunks, and closets
• Useful for spot digging and root exposure
• Good choice for smaller users and light garden work
• Versatile for camping, cars, and beach use

Cons:

• Short handle can increase bending during shrub removal
• Small blade is slower for large plants and deep soil
• Limited leverage against heavy roots

My Recommendation

I would choose this shovel for small garden jobs and users who need easy storage. It is a useful helper when you must work carefully near plants you plan to keep. It is less suited to large shrubs, hard clay, or long removal sessions. For light-duty work, it offers good control at a low storage cost.

Root Slayer RS241 Long-Handle Steel Shovel

The Root Slayer RS241 combines a long handle with a root-focused garden design. That longer reach can help users dig from a more upright position and apply leverage into firm soil. Its steel construction gives it the solid feel expected from a heavy-duty garden shovel. The Root Slayer name also signals a blade made for more than simple soil scooping.

This shovel makes sense for larger beds and shrubs that need deeper digging. A long handle can help you push down with body weight, then lift soil with less crouching. It may feel less nimble than a compact root shovel in a narrow border, so spacing matters. For broad yards and repeated shrub work, the RS241 is a serious option for the best shovel for digging up shrubs.

Pros:

• Long handle offers improved reach and leverage
• Steel construction suits repeated digging tasks
• Root-focused design helps with established garden plants
• Supports a more upright working posture
• Useful for larger beds and deeper root balls
• Can handle more than shrub removal, including general landscaping

Cons:

• Long handle can be awkward in narrow planting spaces
• Heavier designs may tire some users during long sessions
• May cost more than a basic round-point shovel

My Recommendation

The RS241 is best for homeowners with space to swing a longer tool and shrubs with deeper roots. I would favor it for open beds, tall gardeners, and repeated landscaping work. It gives you reach without forcing you to kneel at every step. If you want a long-handled version of the best shovel for digging up shrubs, this Root Slayer deserves close attention.

Root Slayer Nomad Serrated Garden Spade

The Root Slayer Nomad is a compact spade with a serrated edge, making it a natural fit for root-heavy garden work. Its shorter profile gives you close control around shrubs and other plants. The serrations can help cut through smaller roots as you dig down and around the root ball. Its red finish also makes the tool easy to spot in a busy garden.

I see the Nomad as a good choice for users who want root-cutting action without carrying a full-size shovel. It can work in narrow spaces where a long handle gets in the way. The trade-off is reach, since you may need to bend or kneel more often. For tight beds, transplanting, and small shrub removal, this may be the best shovel for digging up shrubs in a compact format.

Pros:

• Serrated edge helps cut through small roots
• Compact spade shape works in narrow garden spaces
• Good control near plants and landscape borders
• Useful for transplanting, dividing, and root pruning
• Portable design is easy to carry and store
• Distinct color improves visibility in grass or soil

Cons:

• Short reach may cause more bending and kneeling
• Not ideal for very deep root balls
• Serrated edge needs care around utility lines and irrigation

My Recommendation

I recommend the Nomad for gardeners who work in crowded borders or need a compact root tool. It is also a smart backup shovel for anyone who already owns a long-handled model. Choose it when control matters more than reach. Among small tools, it is a strong option for the best shovel for digging up shrubs.

Cyrico 28-Inch Round-Point D-Handle Shovel

The Cyrico 28-inch shovel is the shortest option in this group, so it favors control and portability. Its round-point blade can help with basic soil entry, while the D-handle gives you a firm grip for lifting. The fiberglass handle is a useful feature for people who want a portable tool for gardening, vehicles, camping, and emergency use. Its compact size can be helpful in cramped planting areas.

This shovel can handle light shrub work, especially when the soil is loose and the root ball is small. It is less suited to mature shrubs because the short handle gives you limited leverage. I would use it to open a small trench, remove loose soil, or finish work after a longer shovel loosens the ground. It is a practical small tool, but it is not the best shovel for digging up shrubs when the job demands maximum power.

Pros:

• Very portable and easy to carry
• 28-inch length gives close control
• D-handle supports firm lifting and pulling
• Fiberglass handle suits storage in cars and emergency kits
• Useful for light gardening, camping, and snow removal
• Good fit for tight spots and quick digging tasks

Cons:

• Short handle provides limited leverage
• More bending is likely during extended work
• Round blade has no serrated root-cutting edge
• Not suited to large shrubs or deep compact soil

My Recommendation

The Cyrico is best for light work, emergency storage, and gardeners who need a small shovel on hand. It can help with young shrubs and soft soil, but I would not use it as my only tool for a mature plant. Its main strengths are portability and control. For serious shrub removal, choose a longer or serrated model instead.

Quick Best-For Guide

Best for	Why
Cutting through shrub roots	The Root Slayer RS220 and Jardineer use serrated edges to help bite into small and medium roots.
Full-size general garden work	The Fiskars 57-inch shovel offers long reach, useful leverage, and broad everyday versatility.
Tight spaces and portable storage	The Root Slayer Nomad, 33-inch compact shovel, and Cyrico are easier to control and store in small areas.

Choosing a shovel for shrub removal starts with the root system, not the plant label. A young azalea in loose soil needs less force than an old hedge growing in dry clay. Before you buy, check the soil, shrub size, available space, and your own height. The best shovel for digging up shrubs should match the job and your body, much like the right shoe matches a long walk.

A serrated blade is valuable when roots are the main barrier. A long handle is valuable when leverage and posture matter most. A compact spade is valuable when the plant grows beside a wall, fence, or prized flower. I also advise keeping a pruning saw nearby for thick woody roots, because no garden shovel should replace a proper saw when a root becomes too large to cut safely.

Use safe technique each time. Call your local utility marking service before digging where buried lines may exist. Wear gloves and eye protection, and avoid swinging a shovel near people, pets, hoses, and irrigation pipes. Work around the root ball in stages instead of forcing the blade straight through unknown ground.

FAQs Of best shovel for digging up shrubs

What type of shovel is best for digging up shrubs?

A pointed shovel with a serrated edge is usually the best choice for shrubs with tough roots. The point starts the cut, while the teeth help work through smaller roots. A long handle adds leverage, but a compact spade works better in tight beds.

Is a round-point shovel good for removing shrubs?

Yes. A round-point shovel works well for loosening soil, digging around the root ball, and lifting loose dirt. It may struggle with thick roots because it does not have a cutting edge. Pair it with a pruning saw when needed.

Should I choose a long or short shovel?

Choose a long shovel for open areas, deep digging, and better reach. Choose a short shovel for tight beds, close control, and easy storage. Your height also matters. A handle that feels natural can reduce strain during a long job.

Can a garden shovel cut through tree roots?

A serrated garden shovel can help with small roots, but thick woody roots need a pruning saw or loppers. Do not force a shovel against a large root. Check for utilities before digging, and protect nearby plants from accidental cuts.

How do I remove a shrub without damaging nearby plants?

Water the area if the soil is very dry, then dig a ring around the shrub. Start farther from the stems and move inward as you expose the root ball. Use a small spade in crowded areas, and cut only roots that belong to the shrub you are removing.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

The Root Slayer RS220 is my top pick for the best shovel for digging up shrubs. Its pointed, serrated blade gives it the best mix of control and root-cutting power.

Choose the Fiskars for general yard work or the Jardineer for a longer serrated design. Match the shovel to your soil, shrub size, and space for safer, faster digging.