Transplanting trees and shrubs often requires robust root-ball handling and precise digging. The following 5 products offer 3-point and related spade designs, built to lift trees intact, minimize root damage, and streamline labor. This guide highlights capabilities, durability, and use cases to help choose the right tool for gardens, nurseries, or landscape projects.
| Product | Brand | Key Capability | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIVA Skid Steer 3 Blade Tree Spade | MIVA Store | Digs up to 28″ diameter tree balls; supports 200 kg | Transplanting large trees in yards or orchards |
| Drain Spade Root Saw Spades Digging Garden Shovel | HANTOP Store | Slim blade with teeth; cuts roots; long reach | Rooted digging, trenching, transplanting |
| Truper Garden Spade | Truper | Extended length hardwood handle; 14-gauge blade | Transplanting shrubs and flowers |
| Ashman Drain Spade Teeth Shovel | AshmanOnline Store | 48″ handle; sharp teeth; durable metal blade | Soil work in hard or dry conditions |
| Spear & Jackson Neverbend Digging Spade | Spear & Jackson Store | Forged carbon steel; weatherproof shaft | Heavy-duty digging and precision work |
MIVA Skid Steer 3 Blade Tree Spade Transplanter
The MIVA 3-blade tree spade is designed for fast transplanting with a 28″ maximum tree-ball diameter and 28.35″ depth. The attachment handles up to 200 kg (441 lbs) and is crafted from low-alloy, high-strength structural steel with a corrosion-resistant coating. Three blades excavate the entire root ball, enabling intact lifting and efficient relocation in gardens, orchards, and nurseries. Ideal for professionals using skid steers or compatible mounting equipment.
Drain Spade Root Saw Spades Digging Garden Shovel
This drain spade features a 45.3-inch length and a 7.8×2.3×45.3 inch profile, weighing 4.8 lbs. The head is carbon steel with a powder-coated finish, while the fiberglass handle and PP grip balance durability with usability. The narrow, sharp blade includes teeth, enabling efficient root cutting and soil digging for trenching, transplanting, and soil work in tight spaces or dense roots.
Truper Garden Spade
This spade is built for general gardening tasks, featuring a 48-inch long hardwood handle and a 14-gauge blade. It excels at digging trenches, transplanting shrubs, and moving soil with a comfortable, extended reach. The forward-turned step enhances control when digging, making it a solid choice for medium-duty garden projects.
Ashman Drain Spade Teeth Shovel
The 48-inch Ashman drain spade features a D-handle grip and a thick, durable blade. Heat and pressure-treated construction provide extra durability for digging in dry or compact soils. The sharp-teeth design improves root cutting and trenching performance, making it suitable for landscapers and dedicated gardeners dealing with tough soil.
Spear & Jackson Neverbend Professional Digging Spade
Engineered from forged carbon steel, this digging spade delivers robustness in tough soil conditions. It features a hammered powder-coated head for scratch and corrosion resistance, along with a weatherproof hardwood shaft for reliable performance in all seasons. This tool emphasizes precision digging and long-term durability for demanding garden and landscape tasks.
Buying Guide
- Root-ball size compatibility: Check maximum diameter and depth the spade can handle to ensure it fits your target trees and transplant sites. The MIVA unit supports up to 28″ diameter and 28.35″ depth, suitable for larger specimens.
- Material and durability: Look for high-strength steel or forged carbon steel, with protective coatings for rust and corrosion resistance. Durability matters for repeated use in various soils.
- Blade design: Three-blade configurations are common for extracting whole root balls; narrow blades with teeth aid root cutting in dense soil, but may require more effort.
- Handle design: Longer handles or D-handle grips reduce bending and provide leverage, especially for hard or dry soils. Hardwood shafts can offer comfort but may require maintenance.
- Weight and portability: Heavier attachments provide durability but can slow down workflow. Balance weight with the power of your equipment for efficient transplanting.
- Intended equipment compatibility: Some 3-point or skid-steer attachments are designed for specific machines. Verify mounting compatibility and safety guidelines before purchasing.
- Maintenance: Regular cleaning, drying after use, and occasional lubrication extend tool life. Coated blades resist rust but still benefit from care after exposure to moisture.
- Use-case variations: For nursery or orchard transplanting, prioritize root-ball integrity and lift stability. For garden beds, lighter spades may suffice and speed operations.
- Cost vs. value: While rugged units cost more upfront, consider longer service life, reduced transplant time, and fewer root damages when evaluating total value.
Across these options, the right spade depends on soil conditions, tree size, and available machinery. If frequent large-tree transplants are needed, a robust three-blade spade with skid-steer compatibility offers efficiency and root protection. For regular garden work and trenching, lighter, longer-handled spades balance ease of use with performance. Builders and landscapers should assess local soil hardness, typical root density, and transport logistics when deciding.