I’ve discovered a great new garden tool that I’d like to share with all the gardeners out there. Not exactly a “stocking stuffer”. It’s a rather unusual looking garden shovel called the ROOT ASSASSIN. Actually I didn’t discover it, my sister gave it to me as a Christmas gift. I’m sure she got tired of listening to me go on and on about what difficulty I was having trying to extricate a tree stump and it’s myriad of roots from my front yard this past fall.
This Root Assassin shovel is not exactly the cashmere sweater that I was hoping to get from Santa, but it turned out to be a close second. To best describe this tool, I would say it is a shovel with saw blades on either side of a rather elongated spade (see images below).
The serrated edges of the shovel spade are very sharp and easily cut thru small roots in one slice. Thicker roots might take more back and forth sawing motion to cut the root, but using the shovel like a saw will do the trick without running to the shed to get another tool to complete the job. The serrated edges of the elongated spade can also be used to saw small limbs off of upright trees, (which I also attest to).
The manufacturer states that this shovel works well to cut thru and loosen-up compacted soil, and edge garden beds and walkways. It weighs 4 pounds, is 48” long, has a carbon steel blade and shaft and a LIFETIME WARRANTY. This tool is great for prying up roots and getting better leverage because the steel shaft won’t bend or break. It sells on line at: rootassassintools.com or Home Depot or Lowe’s for around $50.00.
It also comes in a shorter version called “Mini Root Assassin” for $40.00. This shorter shovel is 32” long compared to the full sized 48” length shovel. They both get a 5 star rating by the people who give out ratings. Add my endorsement to that and it might just be another garden tool that you can’t live without.
Thanks Santa. Happy New Year to all.
(January 2021 Horticultural Newsletter)
 
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