Tool the dealing with very thick roots

Kirsti Peters

Hi
ive been digging and trying to rearrange an existing flower bed but I’m finding it hard to deal with the thick roots and root systems when trying to dig out old shrubs.  I’m using just a normal spade and fork at the moment.  Can some of you great people recommend a tool please?  I have looked at different spades, garden saw and knives but have no idea really.  My soil is also quite stony.   Small budget as well.

shane.farrell

A small folding pruning saw would be ok. About £10
I really rate this. It cut through 3" roots easily at the weekend. Also good for dividing tough perennials,  levering stones etc from the ground or fence post holes etc.
https://hurst-iw.co.uk/products/spear-jackson-2422nb-neverbend-root-breaker

steephill

I use a pickaxe but a mattock is also very useful for dealing with shrubs and stoney soil. The pickaxe is a heavy tool that needs a bit of muscle for maximum effect, a mattock is a bit lighter and easier to handle but will get the job done.

nick615

Make sure you clear all soil from around the roots before sawing.  Otherwise, you'll destroy the edge of the saw.

StephenSouthwest

I really  like the roughneck post hole digger for getting through roots - it's basically a giant heavy sharp chisel. 

NewBoy2

https://www.chillingtontoolsonline.co.uk/light-hoe-head-only-p3

I bought one of these a few years ago and it was a revelation.

Good for chopping roots , removing turves , shifting soil , breaking up hard lumps of soil.

I have a Spanish friend who says that is all the gardeners and farmers use in Europe.

Chris-P-Bacon

A mattock..but mind your feet & make sure you aren't about to slice through cables or drains. Cable TV installers are famous for laying the wires about an inch below the surface.

llaregub55

I clear the soil an inch or so below the root, and use a jigsaw. Ok for the garden, not for the allotment, but don't have the problem in the allotment anyway.

Hostafan1

NewBoy2 said:

https://www.chillingtontoolsonline.co.uk/light-hoe-head-only-p3

I bought one of these a few years ago and it was a revelation.

Good for chopping roots , removing turves , shifting soil , breaking up hard lumps of soil.

I have a Spanish friend who says that is all the gardeners and farmers use in Europe.

I agree, they're great. 
I brought one back from Kefalonia after watching a gardener use one on his plot next to where we were staying. I've no idea whey we don't use them as pretty much every country from South America, to Southern Eutrope, to Africa ,to Japan use them

Lizzie27

I use either a pruning saw or a mini-mattock (Screwfix) which is easier to use if you don't have a lot of muscle power like me.

Kirsti Peters

Thank you all for the suggestions so far, and I will take them on board. I particularly am interested in the Mattock. I was wondering if anyone has seen and/or tried something called “Root Blaster Shovel”. In very tempted after seeing in a Coopers catalog, also in the book is an “Cutting Edge Weeding tool”. Both have serrated edges and are by Victor Tools.