Radius Garden Root Slayer Shovel Review
- Sharpened inverted-V tip focuses force to pierce hard-packed soil
- Serrated saw-tooth edges cut through roots as you dig
- Resin-encased steel shaft topped with an ergonomic O-handle
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A shovel, root saw and root hatchet in one, with a sharpened inverted-V tip and saw-toothed edges. Here's why it suits root-choked beds, and why it isn't a pry bar.
Quick verdict
The Radius Garden Root Slayer is a digging shovel built for ground that fights back. A sharpened inverted-V tip pierces hard-packed soil and clay, saw-tooth edges cut roots as you go, and a resin-encased steel shaft with an O-handle keeps the work comfortable. Radius is clear that it isn't meant for heavy prying, but for planting, transplanting and clearing root-bound beds it is an outstanding tool.
Pros and cons
What we like
- Inverted-V tip focuses force to penetrate hard-packed soil and clay
- Serrated edges saw through roots without switching tools
- Powder-coated carbon steel blade resists rust
- O-handle lets you hold it in a relaxed, natural grip
- Resin-encased steel shaft lends strength for demanding digging
- Shovel, root saw and root hatchet in one tool
What could be better
- Not intended for prying or heavy leverage, per the maker
- At roughly 5 to 5.5 pounds, heavier than a basic garden spade
- Sharp serrations call for gloves and care when cleaning
Key features, explained
Inverted-V cutting tip
Most shovels have a rounded or pointed nose. The Root Slayer's tip is a sharpened inverted V, which focuses your weight onto two points and a cutting edge as the blade goes in. Radius says the shape makes it easier to penetrate hard-packed soil and clay, and it lets you dig with more precision when you are working between established plants. The blade measures 13 by 10.5 inches, a full-size digging head rather than a trowel-sized spade.
Serrated edges for roots
Both sides of the blade carry sharp rip-saw teeth. Where a smooth-sided shovel stops dead at a thick root, the Root Slayer lets you saw through it with a few strokes, or chop down on it like a hatchet. That is why Radius describes it as three tools in one: shovel, root saw and root hatchet. If you dig in mature beds, along hedges or under trees, cutting roots without fetching loppers or a pruning saw is the main reason to own it.
Powder-coated carbon steel blade
The blade is carbon steel with a protective powder-coated finish that helps resist rust in outdoor conditions, and it is listed as 13-gauge. Radius says it cuts deeper and makes it easier to scrape out weeds along with their roots. Like any sharpened tool, the tip and teeth will dull with use in gritty or rocky soil, so a few passes with a file now and then keeps them cutting the way they should.
Resin-encased shaft and O-handle
The shaft is carbon steel encased in resin, which lends strength for demanding work such as soil cutting and root removal. At the top, the O-handle forms a large closed loop you can grip comfortably from different angles, and Radius designed it so you can keep a relaxed, natural grip instead of holding a traditional shovel awkwardly. Reducing strain on hands and wrists runs through the brand's whole approach, and the Root Slayer follows suit.
What it's for, and what it isn't
Radius pitches the Root Slayer for digging holes, planting shrubs, transplanting flowers, trenching in clay and general garden maintenance. It measures about 44 inches overall with a 31-inch handle. One clear limit: the maker states it is not intended for prying or excessive leverage, so leave rocks and stumps to a digging bar. Wear eye protection while digging, mind the sharp edges and locate underground utilities before you dig deep.
Radius Root Slayer Shovel specs
| Brand | Radius Garden (Root Slayer) |
|---|---|
| Model | 22011 |
| Type | Serrated digging shovel |
| Blade | Carbon steel, powder coated, 13-gauge |
| Blade size | 13 x 10.5 in |
| Tip | Sharpened inverted V |
| Edges | Serrated rip-saw teeth |
| Shaft | Resin-encased carbon steel |
| Handle | O-handle |
| Handle length | 31 in |
| Overall length | About 44 in |
| Weight | About 5 to 5.5 lb |
| Color | Red |
| Prices change often. See the live price: Check Price | |
Who should buy it?
Great for
- Digging in clay, hard-packed soil and root-filled beds
- Planting shrubs and transplanting in established gardens
- Gardeners who want a shovel, root saw and hatchet in one
Skip it if
- You need to pry out rocks or stumps with heavy leverage
- You mostly move loose material like mulch or gravel
- You want a lightweight spade for quick, light planting
Frequently asked questions
What is the Root Slayer shovel good for?
Digging in tough ground. Its inverted-V tip pierces hard-packed soil and clay, and the serrated edges cut roots, which suits planting, transplanting and trenching in established beds.
Can you pry with the Root Slayer?
Radius says it is not intended for prying or excessive leverage. Use it to cut and dig, and switch to a digging bar for levering out rocks or stumps.
How big is the Root Slayer blade?
The blade measures 13 by 10.5 inches. The shovel is about 44 inches long overall with a 31-inch handle.
What is the Root Slayer handle made of?
The shaft is resin-encased carbon steel, finished with an O-handle grip designed to keep your hands in a relaxed, natural position.
Does the Root Slayer rust?
The carbon steel blade has a powder-coated finish to help resist rust. Knock off soil after use and store it dry to keep it in good condition.
Final verdict
The Radius Garden Root Slayer Shovel solves a specific, common frustration: roots that stop an ordinary shovel cold. Its inverted-V tip, saw-tooth edges and powder-coated carbon steel blade make it a shovel, root saw and root hatchet in one, and the O-handle keeps long sessions comfortable. Leave the heavy prying to a bar and it is one of the most useful digging tools a gardener with tough soil can own.
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