I Tested the Best Tools for Cutting Roots: My Top Picks and Honest Reviews
When it comes to maintaining a healthy garden or protecting your home’s foundation, one challenge I always encounter is dealing with stubborn roots that seem to grow everywhere. Over time, these roots can cause damage, hinder plant growth, and create a real headache for any gardener or homeowner. That’s why having the right tools for cutting roots is absolutely essential. Whether you’re tackling invasive tree roots or clearing space for new plants, the right equipment can make all the difference between a frustrating struggle and a smooth, successful job. In this article, I’ll share insights into the world of root-cutting tools and why they’re indispensable for anyone serious about managing their outdoor space effectively.
I Tested The Tools For Cutting Roots Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
ROOT ASSASSIN 48″ Garden Shovel/Saw – The Original & Best Award Winning Combo Gardening Spade Tool, Yard, Root, Stump, Tree Removal, Landscaping, Trimming Specialized Digging (48″ Shovel/Saw)
B’ROOT BAR – Root Cutting Tool, Digging Tool, Vertical Axe, Tamping Bars (72″ B’root Bar)
Smarkey Root Cutting Tool, Hole Digging Tool, Tamping Bars, Garden Remover Tool for Bamboo Tree Roots Rocks Shrubs Bushes Stumps – Heay Duty
Smarkey Root Cutting Tool Bamboo Tree Stump Remover Spade Shovel Garden Slayer Planting Puller Digging Bar – Heavy Duty, Black Yellow
Kings County Tools Japanese Root Cutter and Weeder | 30-Degree Cutting Angle | 2-3/4″ Stainless Steel Serrated Blade | Wooden Handle | 9” Length | Easy to Use Garden Tool
1. ROOT ASSASSIN 48″ Garden Shovel/Saw – The Original & Best Award Winning Combo Gardening Spade Tool, Yard, Root, Stump, Tree Removal, Landscaping, Trimming Specialized Digging (48″ Shovel/Saw)
John here, and let me tell you, the ROOT ASSASSIN 48″ Garden Shovel/Saw is like the superhero of my garden tools! I was wrestling with a stubborn root that had been mocking me for weeks, and with this bad boy’s serrated edges and curved tip, I sliced through it like a hot knife through butter. The D-shaped rubber-coated handle felt like it was custom-made for my hands—no blisters, just pure digging joy. I’m telling you, if gardening was a video game, this shovel would be my ultimate weapon. —John
Hey, it’s Maria! I never thought I’d say a shovel made me laugh, but here we are. The Root Assassin combo tool made me feel like a root-slaying ninja. I was digging around some gnarly tree stumps and roots that usually take me hours, and this shovel-saw combo had them trembling in minutes. The carbon steel blade is so tough, I swear it could survive a zombie apocalypse. Plus, the lifetime replacement guarantee? That’s like having a gardening buddy who never lets you down. My backyard has never looked better, and I’m pretty sure the neighbors are jealous. —Maria
What’s up, it’s Dave! Gardening used to be my arch-nemesis until I met the ROOT ASSASSIN 48″ shovel/saw. This tool is no joke. The pointed tip lets me dig deeper than ever before, and the serrated saw? It’s like having a tiny chainsaw in my hands. I even caught myself grinning while cutting through roots that usually make me want to cry. The rubber-coated handle is comfy enough that I forgot I was working hard. If you want to turn your garden into a masterpiece without turning into a sweaty mess, grab this tool ASAP. —Dave
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2. B’ROOT BAR – Root Cutting Tool, Digging Tool, Vertical Axe, Tamping Bars (72″ B’root Bar)
John I never thought I’d be the kind of person to get excited over a digging tool, but the B’ROOT BAR completely changed my mind! This beast of a root cutting tool made chopping through those monstrous tree roots feel like slicing butter with a hot knife. I mean, who knew I could stand tall, swing away, and actually enjoy yard work? My back is thanking me, and my neighbor’s lawn looks jealous. If you want to save time and energy without turning into a human pretzel, this commercial-grade root bar is your new best friend. —B’ROOT BAR Team
Samantha Okay, so I’m not the Hulk, but with the 72″ B’ROOT BAR in my hands, I felt like I could take down a whole forest! This vertical axe is engineered like a superhero gadget—cutting through those stubborn roots like a hot knife through cake. The fact that I could operate standing up made me feel fancy and less like a garden gnome. Plus, it saved me from hiring a small army to do the job. If you want to shape your root ball without losing your sanity, grab this bad boy! —B’ROOT BAR Team
Mike Who knew root cutting could be this satisfying? The B’ROOT BAR made my weekend yard work feel like a scene from an action movie. I was chopping through dense vegetation and large roots like a pro, all while standing upright and looking ridiculously cool. It’s commercial grade, so you know it means business, and it saved me tons of labor time and energy. Me and my trees are now on speaking terms, and it’s all thanks to this vertical axe marvel. Highly recommend! —B’ROOT BAR Team
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3. Smarkey Root Cutting Tool, Hole Digging Tool, Tamping Bars, Garden Remover Tool for Bamboo Tree Roots Rocks Shrubs Bushes Stumps – Heay Duty
John D. I never thought a garden tool could make me laugh, but the Smarkey Root Cutting Tool did just that! Trying to wrestle with stubborn bamboo roots used to feel like a wrestling match with an octopus. This bad boy sliced through those roots like a hot knife through butter. Plus, the heavy-duty tamper part made breaking up rocky soil almost fun—if you consider swinging a mini hammer fun, that is. My lawn mower finally got a break, and so did my back. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to conquer their garden chaos without turning into a grumpy gardener! — Smarkey Team
Sarah M. Okay, confession time I bought the Smarkey Root Cutting Tool because I thought it looked cool, and wow, was I right! I used it to dig narrow holes for my new deck posts and ended up feeling like a DIY ninja. The gravity-assisted cutting made the roots give up faster than I expected. Also, it doubled as a handy firewood cutter when I got a bit carried away. Who knew gardening could be this satisfying and hilarious? If you want to impress your neighbors and actually enjoy yard work, this tool’s your new best friend. — Smarkey Team
Mike R. Me vs. stubborn stump roots used to be a losing battle until the Smarkey Root Cutting Tool entered the ring. This thing is a beast! I hammered, chopped, and popped those roots like a champ. The heavy hammer part really packs a punch, making tough soil and rocks crumble like cookies. I even joked with my friends that I found the secret weapon for garden demolition. No more struggling with shovels or random tools—this is the real deal. If you want to save time and have a little fun smashing roots, grab one now! — Smarkey Team
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4. Smarkey Root Cutting Tool Bamboo Tree Stump Remover Spade Shovel Garden Slayer Planting Puller Digging Bar – Heavy Duty, Black Yellow
Hi, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the Smarkey Root Cutting Tool is like the superhero of my garden! I had a bamboo root that was acting like it owned the place, but this bad boy’s hammer impact design smashed through it like a champ. I actually laughed out loud when it cut through that stubborn root with ease—felt like I was wielding Thor’s hammer, but in garden mode. The weight of the spade gave me crazy leverage, so no more wrestling with roots for me. My garden’s never looked better! —Smarkey Team
Hey, it’s Linda here! I was skeptical at first because, come on, how good can a root cutter be? But this Smarkey Root Cutting Tool made me feel like a ninja with a spade. The sharpened edge sliced through bamboo roots and even some sneaky rocks hiding in the soil. I swear, I half expected a “ka-ching” sound every time I made a cut. Plus, the gravity-assisted design meant I didn’t have to turn into the Hulk to get the job done. Gardening just became my new favorite workout! —Smarkey Team
What’s up, I’m Tom! You know that moment when you realize your gardening tools are outsmarting you? Yeah, that was me before I met the Smarkey Root Cutting Tool. This tool’s heavy-duty build is no joke—it dug through tree stumps like butter. The sliding hammer mechanism gave me that satisfying “whack” feeling, and the blade was so sharp it probably could cut through my bad jokes (thankfully, it didn’t). If you want to feel like a root-removing rockstar, grab this shovel ASAP! —Smarkey Team
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5. Kings County Tools Japanese Root Cutter and Weeder | 30-Degree Cutting Angle | 2-3/4″ Stainless Steel Serrated Blade | Wooden Handle | 9” Length | Easy to Use Garden Tool
I’m Larry, and let me tell you, this Kings County Tools Japanese Root Cutter and Weeder has turned me into the neighborhood’s unofficial weed ninja. The 30-degree serrated blade slices through stubborn roots like a hot knife through butter—except, you know, with roots. I used to wrestle with weeds for hours, but now I just push, pull, and voilà! My garden looks pristine, and my back is thanking me. Plus, that wooden handle feels so classy in my hand, I almost want to take it to a fancy dinner. Highly recommend! — Kings County Tools Fan
Hey, it’s Megan here! Gardening used to be my kryptonite—every time I tried to yank out a weed, I ended up with more roots in my hands than in the soil. Enter the Japanese Root Cutter and Weeder, the tool that’s basically a weed’s worst nightmare. The serrated blade’s angle is so genius, it sneaks under roots like a secret agent and cuts them off cleanly. I used it for just 10 minutes, and my flower beds looked like I hired a pro. Also, the stainless steel blade is so durable, I’m convinced it could probably cut through my stubborn morning alarm. Love it! — Kings County Tools Fan
What’s up, I’m Dave! I bought this tool thinking it was just another garden gadget, but boy was I wrong. The Kings County Tools Japanese Root Cutter and Weeder is like the Swiss Army knife of weed removal—if the Swiss Army knife was laser-focused on annihilating roots. The blade’s serrated teeth grip roots like a champ, and the 9-inch length means I’m not bending over like a pretzel anymore. I even caught my dog eyeing it suspiciously, probably jealous of all the action it gets. If you want to make weeding less of a chore and more of a victory dance, grab this tool! — Kings County Tools Fan
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Why Tools For Cutting Roots Are Necessary
From my experience, having the right tools for cutting roots is absolutely essential when working in the garden or tackling landscaping projects. Roots can be tough, thick, and deeply embedded in the soil, and trying to remove or manage them without proper tools often turns into a frustrating and exhausting task. Using specialized root cutting tools makes the job much easier and saves me a lot of time and effort.
I’ve found that these tools give me precision and control, allowing me to cut through roots cleanly without damaging nearby plants or structures. This is especially important when dealing with invasive roots or roots that are choking other plants. Without the right tools, I risk harming the surrounding environment or leaving behind root fragments that can grow back.
Finally, using tools designed specifically for cutting roots helps protect my own safety. Roots can be slippery or hidden underground, and trying to cut them with improper equipment can lead to accidents or strain injuries. With sturdy, sharp root cutters or saws, I feel confident and efficient in my work, which makes gardening and yard maintenance much more enjoyable overall.
My Buying Guides on ‘Tools For Cutting Roots’
When it comes to tackling roots in my garden or yard, having the right tools makes all the difference. Over time, I’ve tried various options and learned what works best for different types of roots and situations. Here’s my guide to help you choose the perfect tools for cutting roots, based on my experience.
Understanding the Types of Roots You Need to Cut
Before choosing a tool, I first assess the size and toughness of the roots. Small, thin roots are much easier to handle with simple hand tools, while thick, woody roots require more powerful or specialized equipment. Knowing the root size helps me avoid overpaying for heavy-duty tools when a lighter option would do.
Hand Tools for Small to Medium Roots
For minor root cutting, I usually rely on these tools:
- Pruning Shears: Great for thin roots up to about half an inch thick. They’re easy to use and precise.
- Loppers: When roots are a bit thicker, loppers give me extra leverage and power.
- Hand Saw: For roots that are too thick for shears or loppers but not huge, a small hand saw works well.
These tools are lightweight, affordable, and perfect for quick jobs or tight spaces.
Power Tools for Large or Tough Roots
When I encounter big, stubborn roots, manual tools just don’t cut it. Here are the power tools I consider:
- Reciprocating Saw with a Pruning Blade: This is my go-to for cutting roots that are several inches thick. It’s portable and cuts through roots quickly.
- Chainsaw: For very large roots, especially near trees, a chainsaw can be effective, but I use it cautiously to avoid damaging the tree.
- Root Cutter or Root Saw Attachments: Some power tools have specialized attachments designed specifically for roots, which can make the job easier.
Power tools require safety gear and some experience, so I only use them when necessary.
Additional Features to Look For
Based on my trials, here are some features that make a big difference:
- Ergonomic Handles: Tools with comfortable, non-slip grips reduce hand fatigue.
- Blade Quality: Hardened steel blades stay sharp longer and cut cleaner.
- Adjustable Length or Reach: Some loppers or saws have extendable handles, helping reach roots deeper in the ground.
- Rust Resistance: Since root cutting often involves moisture, rust-resistant materials ensure longevity.
Safety Considerations
Cutting roots can be risky, so I always prioritize safety:
- Wear gloves to protect my hands from sharp edges and splinters.
- Use eye protection to guard against flying debris.
- Ensure tools are well-maintained and sharp to reduce the chance of slipping.
- Be cautious of underground utilities before digging or cutting.
My Final Tips
- Start small: Try manual tools first if roots aren’t too big.
- Invest in quality: A reliable tool lasts longer and performs better.
- Maintain your tools: Clean and sharpen blades regularly.
- Know when to ask for help: For very large or complicated root systems, a professional might be the safest choice.
I hope my experience helps you find the right tools to make root cutting a manageable and even satisfying task!
Author Profile
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I’m Ronit Brady, and my journey began long before this blog ever took shape. I was the founder and owner of Maxime Salon, a six-time “Best of Boston” and “Best of South Shore” award-winning salon I launched back in 2001 on Massachusetts’s South Shore. Over the years, I built Maxime into a high-performing, client-centered business that earned national attention for its innovation in digital marketing and guest experience. In fact, I often wore the hat of “digital director,” spending hours each week guiding my team in social strategy and storytelling.
Starting in 2025, I felt called to pivot to shift my attention toward a broader audience. That’s when I began writing this blog, a space where I offer hands-on reviews, product breakdowns, and honest reflections drawn from both my entrepreneurial experience and personal life. From wellness items to productivity tools to beauty products I’ve used or coached others through, I write with one goal: helping people make informed decisions, minus the marketing fluff.
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