5 Best Digging Shovels of 2024

Take a look at some of the best shovels available in 2024 no matter what kind of digging you have to do.

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unrecognizable gardener standing in his backyard with shovel pinned to the ground, ready to dig a new gardenSrdjanPav/Getty Images

Most outdoor projects require a shovel, and having a high-quality one suited to your specific needs can help you get the job done more efficiently. “Digging shovels can be used for efficiently moving and lifting loose materials like soil, sand, gravel or snow,” says landscape designer Paul Knapp. “The most common uses for digging shovels include gardening, construction/excavation, snow removal, cleaning debris, mining, digging trenches and emergencies.”

If you’re in the market for a new shovel, chances are you already know what type of project you’ll be using it for. Will you be digging up soil, grass, roots, snow or ice, gravel? Start your research there. Then, make sure to take into consideration the blade material and shape, the type of handle and the length of the shovel.

The majority of shovels are made from steel blades. Steel is a very durable material, but it can get rusty. Look for a rust-resistant coating. Besides the material of the blade, the most important factor when selecting a shovel is the shape. Different shapes are suited for different digging scenarios.

The digging shovels below have a concave blade with both pointed and flat edges. The blades range in length depending on how deep into the ground you plan to dig. Read on to discover what digging shovel will work best for your project.

The Best Digging Shovels

1 / 5
51 I45djekl. Ac Sl1500
via amazon.com

Best Shovel for Digging a Trench

Truper Tru Pro California Trenching Shovel

Got some trenches to dig? It’s a tough job, but one made easier with a tool specifically made for it, like the Truper Tru Pro California Trenching Shovel. This shovel has a thin, pointed head made from 14-gauge steel that is perfectly suited for digging trenches, however long you need them to be.

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2 / 5

412zoursbtl. Ac Sl1000
via amazon.com

Best Shovel for Digging Soil

Fiskars Pro Digging Shovel

Digging through dirt and soil can be tough, especially if the ground is still hardened after a hot summer or frosty winter. This Fiskars Pro shovel, with a sharpened edge at the tip of its reinforced aluminum handle, is made to slice through soil no matter how crusty it might be.

The shaft profile features a distinctive “teardrop” shape that Fiskars claims makes shoveling easier on your hands and palms than traditional shaft designs.

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3 / 5

71fr6vus5fl. Ac Sl1500
via amazon.com

Best Shovel for Digging Up Grass

Bully Tools Gauge Edging and Planting Spade

If you’re trying to dig up a section of grass without wrecking the rest of your pristinely maintained lawn, check out the Gauge Edging and Planting Spade from Bully Tools. The flattened edge of this garden spade allows for precise and neat digging, which is especially useful for projects like starting a garden.

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4 / 5

61cie4bmnts. Ac Sl1500
via amazon.com

Best Shovel for Digging Up Trees and Roots

Radius Garden Root Slayer

Digging through tough soil can be hard enough. But digging through dirt laced with roots requires a shovel with some teeth. Luckily, that’s exactly what Radius Garden’s Root Slayer Shovel is. “When it comes to digging deep roots, a specific shovel known as a ‘root shovel’ or ‘root spade’ is often recommended,” says Knapp. “These types of shovels are designed to cut through and remove roots without causing excessive damage to the surrounding soil or plants.”

The sides of this V-shaped shovel are lined with serrated teeth that will saw through roots while you dig them up. It’s also got wide, flat areas above the shovel, offering a sturdy platform to push down with your foot. That should help you tear through rooty soil even more easily.

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5 / 5

61jr Igqxnl. Ac Sl1500
via amazon.com

Best Shovel for Digging Gravel

Nupla Round Point Shovel

When you’re digging up something heavy, it’s best to use a lighter shovel so you don’t wear out your arms, back and shoulders. This shovel from Nupla, with its lightweight fiberglass handle, weighs just under five pounds. The head of the shovel has a rounded edge, making it a better choice for scooping up things like gravel and rock than more sharply pointed shovels.

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Harrison Kral
After spending his college summers pouring concrete and building decks, Harrison Kral decided to find a way to put his insider knowledge of construction to use…. just in an air-conditioned setting. He’s an established writer and editor in the DIY space who has written extensively on the home building industry, the housing market, and general DIY trends.