Root-Cutting Shovels Built for Tough Roots

Roots can turn a routine hole or trench into a fight. Our Sharpshooter® root-cutting shovels combine a narrow, sharpened, heat-treated steel head with the weight and leverage needed to penetrate compacted ground and work through stubborn roots. We manufacture these long, skinny blue shovels in Phoenix, Arizona for landscapers, tree crews, contractors, and property owners who need a serious digging tool.

Browse the root-cutting shovel collection below, then choose the handle and weight that fit the job. For loose soil removal, pair your Sharpshooter with a wider scoop shovel.

Not sure which model to grab? Here’s a quick breakdown based on the job:

  • Cutting roots while opening a planting hole or trench: Choose the standard Sharpshooter® (78 inches, 13 pounds). Its long handle adds reach and leverage, while the narrow steel head concentrates force where you need it.

  • Breaking hardpan before reaching the root zone: Start with the Dig Bar Sharpshooter®. Its 12-inch forged hex point helps open compacted ground; turn the tool around when you are ready to cut and dig.

  • Working around established plants or in confined spaces: Use the D-Handle Sharpshooter® (45 inches, 7 pounds) for added control when swing room is limited.

  • Handling lighter root work or transporting a compact tool: Use the Shorty Sharpshooter® (54 inches, 10 pounds). It is easier to maneuver while retaining the same narrow, sharpened head profile.

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45" D-Handle Sharpshooter Shovel – Heavy-Duty All-Steel Digging Tool | Metal Concepts

45" D-Handle Sharpshooter Shovel – Heavy-Duty All-Steel Digging Tool | Metal Concepts

Regular price $124.99
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Metal Concepts D-Handle Sharpshooter Shovel: Power, Precision, and Comfort in Every Dig It's the blue...
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Frequently Asked Questions

+What type of shovel is best for cutting roots?

A narrow, sharpened steel shovel is a strong choice because it concentrates force on a smaller edge and leaves more room to work around nearby plants, posts, and utilities. For very large structural roots, expose the root first and use an appropriate saw or cutting tool rather than forcing any shovel.

+Can a Sharpshooter shovel dig up tree roots?

Yes. Our Sharpshooter shovels are designed to penetrate compacted soil and work through many stubborn roots while opening a trench or planting hole. Performance will vary based on root size, tree species, soil conditions, and the condition of the tool.

+Which Metal Concepts shovel is best for roots?

Our standard 78-inch Sharpshooter is the best all-around choice for reach, leverage, and weight. Choose the D-Handle for greater control in tight spaces, the Shorty for a more compact tool, or the Dig Bar model when you need to break hard ground first

+Will cutting roots damage a tree?

It can. Large or numerous root cuts may affect tree stability and health. When working close to a valuable or mature tree, consult a qualified arborist before cutting major roots.

+Can I use a root-cutting shovel for planting and trenching?

Yes. The narrow, sharpened head works well for planting holes, irrigation trenches, landscape installation, and other jobs where roots and compacted soil make digging difficult.

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Our Promise

American-made tools, guaranteed to last.

What's Covered

Free replacement for defects with proof of purchase.

What's Not Covered

Wear, missing parts, misuse, or modifications.

Use With Care

Built for digging — not for unintended jobs.

What Our Customers Are Saying

Turns Digging from Chore to Enjoyable

This shovel’s extended handle, weight and sharpened straight blade have changed my attitude towards digging. What was once a slow tiresome chore is now efficient and enjoyable. Coupled with a lightweight spade for dirt removal, I can quickly blast a large hole or trench into almost any terrain or take out a stubborn stump or post. Must-have tool for DIYers and tradesmen.(Amazon.com)

Amazon Customer

The Best Shovels for Every Job, Built to Last

I've been a General Contractor for most of my adult life. I have dug holes in every soil type. The Metal Concepts shovels are the best hand digging shovels on the market. All their products are of high quality and will last. If you need a custom product, they have a team of people that can help. Thank you, Metal Concepts, for making our jobs a little easier.(WLF Development LLC)

Woody Farnsworth

The Ultimate Tool for Tough Excavations and Precision Work

For really hard conditions, we have the utmost need for the best manual digging tool in existence, to be used along with a shovel. I reserve that accolade of the best manual digging tool for a perfectly engineered and constructed piece of iron ingenuity called a Sharpshooter (pictured). We use it every day; it’s fantastic for everything involving excavations, prying and leveraging.(John & Bob’s Blog)

John Valentino

Putting the Sharpshooter Shovel to the Test

Watch as one of our team members takes on a massive tree with tough, tangled roots using the Metal Concepts Sharpshooter Shovel. See firsthand how precision design and durable construction make the toughest jobs easier.