Most people have a variety of tools that can be used for yard work, landscaping, and overall maintenance of a yard or outdoor space. Standard things like shovels, rakes, or grass cutting tools are typical items for homeowners to have. However, when it comes to the details, there are very specific types of shovels that one may have for various tasks and projects.
There are many types of shovels that are optimal for specific activities and environments. Depending on the type of landscaping or yard work, an edging shovel, handheld shovel, root shovel, flat shovel, post hole shovel, or snow shovel might work best.
Gardening enthusiasts may have different types of shovels in their tool sheds than someone who does projects or maintenance in yards, and each type of shovel serves a different purpose. Continue reading to learn about a few specific types of shovels and their different uses.
Shovels for Backyards and Outdoor Spaces
When it comes to creating beauty in the form of a backyard or outdoor space, most people who plant and keep flowers or bushes have the proper tools needed for any type of backyard project. If you are new to the hobby or are looking for better options to add to your gardening arsenal, these are some different shovel options to consider:
- Edging shovel
- Handheld shovel
- Root shovel
Each of these shovels will assist in different areas of a backyard so it is important to find the perfect one for each specific project you have in mind for your outdoor space. Adequate research will tell you exactly which type you need for whatever project you have in mind.
Edging Shovel
An edging shovel is made exclusively to achieve the look of clean borders around a backyard. This is not the type of shovel you would use if you wanted to dig deep holes or go more than a few inches into the ground. The blade of an edging shovel is sharp and the top of it should be wide enough to step on for more power to get through the surface of the ground.
These types of shovels have a long handle so you can utilize them while standing. The blade is not very wide so it gives you the ability to etch out borders for small flower beds or around trees and bushes without causing too much upturn in the soil surrounding these areas.
Handheld Shovel
If planting flowers is your activity of choice, a handheld shovel is very important. These shovels are usually only a few inches long and allow for you to dig small holes and place seeds or bulbs in them. By sitting or kneeling on the ground in your backyard, you can be more precise with your digging and planting efforts using a handheld shovel.
Pesky weeds will not stand a chance against a handheld shovel. They are great for digging down to the root of a weed and pulling everything out of the ground to prevent regrowth or spreading to larger areas. Their lightweight design also allows for you to cover a bigger area without getting tired from holding a heavy tool. You can also use them to help look for possible crystals that could by hidden in your backyard.
Root Shovel
A root shovel can look intimidating due to the serrated edges along each side. They are designed this way to tackle tougher or thicker roots that you may not be able to remove with a handheld or edging shovel. The teeth on each side can cut through roots in order to remove them fully from the ground and deter them from spreading.
This type of shovel is best used for removing small trees or bushes that may have more intricate root levels underneath the surface. You can also use it to move a tree or plant to another location by cutting the existing root at a long enough length for successful transportation and replanting.
Shovels for Yard Work and Maintenance
There are many other reasons besides gardening that you may need different types of shovels for. Fixing or installing fencing, cleaning up fire pits or gravel driveways, or moving dirt from different areas all require the proper type of shovel. If this is the kind of maintenance or upkeep that needs attention in your yard, these are a few types of shovels that may be able to help you:
- Flat shovel
- Post hole shovel
- Snow shovel
If mother nature rears her ugly head and dumps a decent amount of snow on you, or if you are in need of certain repairs or installations around your yard, these types of shovels are pretty common and can get the job done right. Any home improvement or home goods store will have all of these types of shovels in stock as well.
Flat Shovel
A flat shovel is probably the most common or recognizable type of shovel. Contrary to popular belief, this kind of shovel is not the best for digging purposes but more for lifting and moving things. If you have an area that needs to be cleaned of pea gravel, ash, or dirt, using a flat shovel to transport things to a wheelbarrow is ideal.
These types of shovels are sturdy and can be heavy to handle. They are designed this way so they can easily hold mulch, soil, or gravel without becoming weak or breaking easily. If you are looking for a shovel that is reliable, sturdy, and will get the job done, this is the type of shovel you need.
Post Hole Shovel
This type of shovel is unique looking because it is a 2 in 1 design. The blades are rounded and long and allow for a deeper depth dig. The main job of these types of shovels is to dig holes for fence posts. They can get deep enough in the ground to support fence posts. If a fence post is too shallow in the ground, it can be dangerous and unreliable.
Although they can be expensive, the cost is worth it if it means avoiding digging deeper holes with a regular one blade shovel. Post hole shovels can even come as gas or electric powered to get the job done even quicker and more efficiently. This is where the cost will increase, but your end results will be well worth it.
Snow Shovel
A snow shovel is a must have a kind of shovel to anyone who lives in an area that gets snow regularly. Whether it means clearing a path down the sidewalk to get to your mailbox, or digging your car out from street parking, a snow shovel can come in handy in many scenarios.
These shovels are usually plastic but are heavy duty and can hold a decent amount of weight. Most of them have a metal edge on the bottom to use against ice and snow chunks that can be frozen to the ground. Anyone who has shoveled snow by hand knows how heavy those piles of flakes can be.
Conclusion
Whether you want to redo your backyard, fix or install a fence, or make a path to your mailbox in the winter snow, the type of shovel you use for each situation is important. If you choose the wrong kind of shovel, it can make the job harder and cause more problems down the road.
Types of shovels vary by size, weight, and overall function, so doing your research and preparing for the job you want to get done beforehand is very important. Having a few of these different types of shovels on hand is your best bet for being prepared for any project that may come up in the future.
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