A round-point shovel is good for digging a hole and a flat shovel is good for shoveling dirt back into the hole. A sharpshooter, similar to an elongated, round-point spade, is recommended for removing trees from the ground and for root pruning. These tools work best when the blade is sharp. A dull blade breaks and bruises roots instead of cutting them.
Dibble
This durable instrument with a heavy steel blade and tubular steel handle will make a hole in almost anything. It is primarily used to plant seedlings for reforestation, but is sometimes used as a prying tool.
Hoedad, maddock, or pick
A hoedad, maddock, or pick can be used to break up hard or compacted soil so it is easier to shovel.
Rototiller
A rototiller can loosen the soil, particularly if it is compacted. However, care must be taken not to injure roots of any existing trees.
Tree spades, backhoes, and other mechanical equipment
For large trees, tree spades, backhoes, and other similar types of excavation equipment are sometimes used. When using mechanical excavators, it is important not to dig too deep. Power augers are sometimes used to penetrate hardpans. These machines do create glazed, smooth sides in the planting area, so it is necessary to roughen the sides to increase root penetration and drainage.
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Answer:
Shovel and sharpshooter
A round-point shovel is good for digging a hole and a flat shovel is good for shoveling dirt back into the hole. A sharpshooter, similar to an elongated, round-point spade, is recommended for removing trees from the ground and for root pruning. These tools work best when the blade is sharp. A dull blade breaks and bruises roots instead of cutting them.
Dibble
This durable instrument with a heavy steel blade and tubular steel handle will make a hole in almost anything. It is primarily used to plant seedlings for reforestation, but is sometimes used as a prying tool.
Hoedad, maddock, or pick
A hoedad, maddock, or pick can be used to break up hard or compacted soil so it is easier to shovel.
Rototiller
A rototiller can loosen the soil, particularly if it is compacted. However, care must be taken not to injure roots of any existing trees.
Tree spades, backhoes, and other mechanical equipment
For large trees, tree spades, backhoes, and other similar types of excavation equipment are sometimes used. When using mechanical excavators, it is important not to dig too deep. Power augers are sometimes used to penetrate hardpans. These machines do create glazed, smooth sides in the planting area, so it is necessary to roughen the sides to increase root penetration and drainage.