2020’s Best Shovel For Edging
Some of you may ask, “why is it important to to determine the best shovel for edging?”
Not sure if you know this, but having a garden just seamlessly produces this calm and serene energy just by looking at it. However, maintaining a garden is a bit challenging and expensive so we look for ways to try to do it on your own without breaking the bank.
See that beautifully created line? That’s where an edging shovel comes into play. A nice and clean-cut edge is produced by using an edging shovel, it can be used in edging your pathways or separating your garden beds
Table of Contents
Factors to Consider in Deciding Which Edging Shovel to Get:
Types of Edger Blades:
Straight Edged Spade:
This type of blade works best on if you’re going for a straight look, it can handle complicated edges but it requires a lot of maneuvering.
Arched Blade Design:
Arched blades work well on complicated edges and can dig into the ground much faster than the straight-edged ones.
Weight
Lighter shovels are great as you can maneuver it easily if you have any health-related issues or don’t want to strain your self too much. This would also come in handy if you plan on bringing a shovel on trips as most lightweight shovels can be easily mounted to any cars.
Heavier shovels are mostly good at digging as it’s heaviness will do the digging for you but It’s much harder to maneuver and you’ll probably have a hard time lifting the soil out but its heaviness might help when you’re trying to cut some roots.
For reference, the average shovel weight should be along with the ranges of 1.5 to 3 kg
Types of Handles Found in Edging Shovels:
Straight Handle:
As the name describes, this is pretty much a straight line from the edge of the shovel to the top. It requires you to bend down further but it reduces the fear that you might break the handle off as most handle can’t handle too much pressure on the shovel.
Bent Handle:
Bent handle is almost the same as the straight handle, but it slightly bent on the tip. It works best if you’d still want to go for a handle.
T Shaped Handle:
Shovels with this type of handle promotes a better grip and maneuvering. Some users also claim that they would reduce the chance of getting blisters.
D Shaped Handle:
D-shaped handles are the most common type of handle found in shovels, they are often gripped and some are even cushioned.
Circular handle:
This handle is often found on Radius garden products. It is essentially a make or break type of product as it allows the user to get to position his hands are more comfortable in but there’s also some that aren’t used to this type and claim that this is just for esthetic purposes only.
Shovel Manufacturers have been more creative in producing products for its customers, they keep on trying to find ways to make their shovels more innovative. It all boils down to your personal preference.
When is the Best Time to Edge?
When it had just rained or you can just water it down with a hose either way the goal is to make the soil damp so you can glide with your shovel easily. In case you’re planning to upgrade your regular watering hose you can look into my blog here where I reviewed some of the watering wands you might not know you need.
Note: Please try to wait until the end of June as it is the end of the growing peak to make sure that your edge lasts longer.
How To Use an Edging Shovel?
Decide where you want to create an edge you some may use spray paint or others just simply use a garden hose. It doesn’t really matter what tool you use, what matters is that you know how to follow the guide you created. Once you’ve established that type of edge you’d like its the start to do a shoveling
Hold the edge of your shovel to the ground and hold it firmly, step on the shovel’s footplate so that your body weight is what’s doing the digging for you. Try to wiggle it down to the desired depth and try to push the dirt off, keep repeating the process until you’ve achieved the edge you’re aiming at.
How Often Should I Edge my Lawn?
At least once a year will be the minimum but once you start noticing that the lawn going over the edge you may want to consider to edge it down a bit.
From what we can tell from the information above, it is a lot to take in but I’ve decided to give some edging shovels and their maintenance tools that you can use in keeping your lawn in pristine condition.
Still haven’t decided which one will work for you yet? Why don’t you take a look at these shovels?
Edging Shovels: (to help you decide what you may or may not need)
AMES 2917200 Saw-Tooth Border Edger with T-Grip, 39-Inch
Dimensions : 14.05 x 1.5 x 39.26 inches
Weight: 0.85 pounds
Arched and Sawtooth blade Design
T Shaped Handle
Amazon’s Choice
Cuts a nice deep straight edge as its saw tooth blades help penetrate the grass and ground. It could also work to create a trench
Pros:
- T shaped handle helps you get a better grip
- can cut straight or curved edges
- footplates help to get the desired depth that you want
- clean weld has no bolts on it making it easier to clean
- can be used as a trencher as well
Cons:
- not suitable for a dense soil I suggest to use it after a rain or wet the ground with a hose
- has to be very close to the edge to cut well
TABOR TOOLS Shovel with Straight Blade and Comfortable D Grip 32 Inch Fiberglass Handle, Digging Spade. J212A.
Dimensions : 43 x 8 x 1.5 inches
Weight: 3.59 pounds
D Handle
Straight Blade
has a straight-edge blade with a slightly rounded end, rather than pointed.
lightweight
Has a slightly rounded end instead of the usual sharp ones that easily help penetrate a dry compact ground.
Pros:
- Can be used not only for edging but also in trenching and moving small shrubs and bushes
- Fiber Glass and D shaped Handle to easily accommodate a gloved hand
- chemically blackened for a corrosion-resistant finish
- strong built but lightweight, perfect for travel as it can be mounted on a vehicle
Cons:
- this would work best on small space or occasional use
- customer service isn’t very responsive
Radius Garden 22611 Root Slayer Edger, Root Slayer Edger, Red
Dimensions : 39.25 x 1.38 x 10 inches
Weight: 4.8 pounds
inverted V-shaped tip
circular handle
A great shovel to have if you’re looking for a multi-purpose tool as it is an edger that can cut through small roots as well.
Pros:
- can cut through 10 rolls of sods
- its blade has a lifetime manufacturer guarantee
- the inverted V-shaped tip really helps when a root is on the way while edging
Cons:
- a bit expensive for an edger
- The handle needs to be a bit sturdier
Bully Tools 82500 12-Gauge Edging and Planting Spade with Fiberglass D-Grip Handle
Dimensions : 40 x 7.5 x 2.88 inches
Weight: 4.85 pounds
D-Grip Handle
Ideal if you’re going to use it for edging and planting. Its fiberglass D-Grip handle provides maximum support and fits well if you’re wearing a working glove.
Pros:
- can be used for edging and planting
- it has a closed-back design that prevents any debris from getting stuck
- Bully Tools has a lifetime guarantee
Cons:
- welds need improvement
- a bit on the heavier side
- not sharp enough to cut through roots
Spear Head Spade - Reinforced Fiberglass Gardening Shovel with Cushioned D Grip - Award Winning Shovel - Model SHFD3 Yellow
Dimensions: 40.98 x 9.02 x 3.5 inches
Weight: 3.59 pounds
First hybrid shovel/spade
D shaped Handle
Amazons Best
Works best if most footrest can’t fit your shoe size.
Pros:
- works best on rocky, compacted soil
- it has a cushioned handle
- lightweight
- can be used to pry roots
- heavy duty
Cons:
- you need to sharpen its blades as it tends to be dull for some time of use
- isn’t made to handle too much soil
Garden Weasel Edge Chopper
Dimensions: 2 x 9.75 x 38 inches
Weight: 3 pounds
Creates sharp clean edges, slow work but less strain on the body.
Pros:
- multi-purpose can be used in the garden and break the glass on the winter
- foot pressure makes it to use
- lightweight
Cons:
- weld could’ve been better
- foothold cant fit all foot size
Radius Garden 25602 Pro-Lite Carbon Steel Edger, Green
Dimensions: 45 x 7.5 x 3.75 inches
Weight: 3.64 pounds
Circular Handle
The quality and build of this product is great. It is most suitable for taller people as it is much longer.
Pros:
- simple to use
- lightweight
- its handle makes maneuvering a breeze
Cons:
- the blade is a bit dull and can only be used if the ground is damp
- its edge isn’t sharp enough so you have to put in more effort in making it go through the ground
- this edger’s footplate can’t fit large foot size
These are the tools that can be used in conjunction with your edging shovel:
King of Spades All Steel Spade, 13 Inch Tapered Blade, 54 Inch Handle
Dimensions: 13 in. (L), tapers from 7 3/4 in. to 6 1/2 in. (W)
Weight: 7.38 pounds
Straight handle
zinc-plated rust-resistant finishes (no rivets or sharp edges!) Aircraft quality alloy tubing
Yep, the creator of this shovel got creative and decided to name it a “King,” but I won’t contest it too much. With its rugged all-steel design you’ll feel that having this product will surely last you for an ample amount of time.
Pros:
- you won’t have to worry about breaking the handle
- won’t break easily
Cons:
- a bit heavier
Radius Garden 22011 Root Slayer Shovel, (Red)
Dimensions : 45 x 10.5 x 3.8 inches
Weight: 5 pounds
inverted V-shaped tip
circular handle
Works well in eliminating roots, you’ll not be disappointed as it holds up its name “Root Slayer”. I recommend using it in conjunction with an edging shovel
Pros:
- the circular handle makes maneuvering easier
- A 3-in-1 tool (shovel, root hatchet, and root saw)
- can eliminate bamboo-like weeds
Cons:
- A little bit heavy
Kwik Edge Tool - Garden Edger Weeder - Soil Cultivator - Hoe Long Handle Grass Flower Backyard Gardening Tool
Dimensions: 57 x 2 x 7 inches
Weight: 2.4 pounds
This tool is mainly used for the maintenance of your garden edges it can’t make the edge for you.
And if all else fail we can always have the option to try an electric lawn edger:
WORX WG896 12 Amp 7.5" Electric Lawn Edger & Trencher, 7.5in, Orange and Black
Dimensions: 22.6 x 14.1 x 11 inches
Weight: 16 pounds
Pros:
- it’s literally doing the job for you
- depth can be adjusted
- blades have wear indicators to let you know that it needs replacement
Cons:
- blades need to be replaced every now and then
- a spare blade isn’t available upon purchase
- can’t be used in wet ground
Conclusion:
Choosing your edging shovel and garden maintenance device isn’t always a walk in the park, we have individual things to consider that make an item “unique” to us.
Did I help you in choosing the best edging tool? Or did I forget to mention other items that will best fit this blog? Comment down and share it with us!
