ok ive just ordered this, couple of very good reviews on amazon
I did not think a lot of a radius digging fork I bought, but this is my favourite garden tool and has so many uses.
I have not actually tried it to dig out tree roots, but I do use it for many tasks and no other tool can come near it.
First, it is immensely strong - it has a resin coated steel shaft from head to toe. This makes it heavy of course, but you either get something that's light and breaks, or this! Don't be put off by reviewers who say you aren't meant to use it as a lever. Although it is true, that if you are cutting through big roots, then levering is not the right action, but it is more capable of hefty levering of stones etc than any other tool I have.
My soil is chalky with a lot of heavy clay. After a dry summer I could not get anything through it. But this just cuts through like magic! The teeth and the shaped end are extremely sharp. It is also good if you need, say, to dig a hole to plant something in the middle of a border, because it cuts down deep but in a narrow radius. So it can be used as a blunderbus but is also good for precise work. It seems to clean well after a session of clay digging too.
I like the radius handles, which look awkward but actually are better than D handles, and provide good grip and leverage. I also like the substantial foot plates which really help with pushing the shovel in.
I recommend going on to you tube and searching for reviews of this tool. There is a good one by someone digging through frozen earth and so on.
The Root Slayer delivered more than i expected. It is so effective i was amazed. But there is a technique to be learned otherwise it will be very hard work and you may damage the blade. The blade and the shaft are not designed to be used to break roots by leverage. The spade is a good weight and if you try to use it like a regular spade you will become weary very quickly. So the technique is to lift the spade vertically and drive it into the target. Be sure to keep your feet well away and perhaps this is the situation when you need toe protection foot wear. As you drive the blade into the ground the serrated edges sever the roots and a few repeats might be necessary. But the effect is very rewarding. See my photos for evidence of effectiveness. I think the Root Slayer is well designed, easy to use and excellent value for money.
