Tree Planting Shovels Built for Arborists and Planting Contractors

A tree planting shovel needs to do more than break ground - it needs to cut roots, penetrate compacted soil, and hold up through thousands of planting cycles without failing. Metal Concepts Sharpshooter® shovels are the choice for arborists, nurseries, reforestation crews, and municipal planting teams who can't afford to stop mid-job. The narrow blade digs clean planting holes faster than a round point shovel, with less soil disturbance and less physical wear on the crew. Explore our tree planting and forestry page for more on how professional crews put them to work, or visit the municipalities and public works page to see how city planting teams equip their workers.

All four models work for tree planting - here's which to reach for based on your specific situation:

  • Standard Sharpshooter®: Best for most planting applications. Long blade, enough weight to cut through root-heavy soil, deep enough reach for most ornamental and shade trees.
  • D-Handle Sharpshooter®: Good when you're planting in tight rows, near fencing, or anywhere a long handle limits your swing. The D-grip gives you precise downward force.
  • Shorty Sharpshooter®: Works well for container plants, smaller stock, and crews doing high-volume planting where swinging a full-length shovel all day adds up. Lighter, faster on repetitive digs.
  • Dig Bar Sharpshooter®: Best for reforestation crews or municipal teams dealing with rocky, compacted, or root-dense ground. Break with the bar, plant with the blade.

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Dig Bar Sharpshooter Shovel | Metal Concepts

Dig Bar Sharpshooter Shovel | Metal Concepts

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Metal Concepts Dig Bar Sharpshooter Shovel: The Ultimate Tool for Tough Groundbreaking Jobs Take on...
D-Handle Sharpshooter Shovel | Metal Concepts

D-Handle Sharpshooter Shovel | Metal Concepts

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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 kind of shovel is best for planting trees?

A narrow, pointed shovel - often called a sharpshooter or drain spade - is the best choice for tree planting. The slim blade cuts through roots and hard soil more efficiently than a wide round point shovel and lets you dig a precise planting hole without disturbing too much surrounding ground.

+Can I use a tree planting shovel in compacted or clay soil?

Yes - Metal Concepts shovels are specifically engineered for tough soil conditions. The heat-treated blade holds a sharp edge through repeated hard-ground penetration, and the handle is built from all-American steel to absorb impact without cracking.

+Are these shovels used by commercial tree planting contractors?

Yes. Metal Concepts tools are trusted by arborists, nursery crews, reforestation contractors, and municipal parks departments. They're built for professional daily use - which means they hold up through high-volume planting seasons.

+Do arborists and tree service companies use Metal Concepts shovels?

Yes - arborists and tree service professionals are one of Metal Concepts' core customer segments. The Sharpshooter® handles root cutting, tight-space digging, and the hard soil conditions tree work regularly involves.

+Can these be used for root cutting, not just planting?

Absolutely. The sharpshooter blade profile is effective for cutting through shallow root systems and compacted organic soil - useful for both planting new trees and removing or trimming existing root systems during maintenance.

+Do you offer bulk pricing for nursery or planting crews?

Yes - orders of 2 or more shovels qualify for 15% off using promo code METALCONCEPTS at checkout. Free shipping and returns on orders over $75.

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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.