Root Slayer 23311 Perennial Shovel, Red - Lightweight Root Cutter

In this review the Root Slayer 23311 Perennial Shovel is judged as a purpose-built, lighter alternative to a full-size root slayer, aimed at gardeners who divide perennials and work in beds where agility matters. The single biggest reason to buy is its combination of a reduced 70% blade size with the patented O-handle and root-cutting rip saw teeth, which lets a solo gardener slice through sod and tough roots faster and with less strain than a standard shovel. It is especially useful where the original tool would be overkill or too heavy.

Key Features

• Reduced blade size: A blade about 70% the size of the original provides lighter handling while preserving a sharp, strong edge for transplanting and digging.
• Inverted V cutting tip: The pointed tip grips and severs perennial roots under the blade so divisions and lifts do not slip off during work.
• Root-cutting rip saw teeth: Serrated teeth on the blade let you cut through roots and sod without needing an extra saw, hatchet, or pry bar.
• Patented O-handle grip: The ergonomic Root Slayer O-Handle gives four times the gripping surface of a D-handle, improving leverage and reducing wrist stress.
• Lightweight shaft and step: Pultruded fiberglass shaft and extra-wide raised forward step are offset for leverage and comfort while keeping overall weight down.
• Durability and warranty: Heavy duty carbon steel blade and a lifetime warranty within the continental US provide long-term value and reliability.

Who It's For

The Root Slayer Perennial shovel is best for home gardeners, small-scale landscapers, and older gardeners who need the root-cutting power of a larger tool without the weight. It excels at dividing daylilies, moving clumping perennials, clearing shallow-rooted shrubs, and working in raised beds where a lighter tool reduces fatigue.

Those who should look elsewhere include users who regularly tackle very large roots or deep tree roots where a full-size heavy-duty root slayer or dedicated digging bar is more appropriate, and anyone who needs a long-handled digging spade for very deep trenches.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Cuts through roots and sod efficiently thanks to the inverted V tip and rip saw teeth.
• Light enough to use with one hand for many tasks because of the smaller blade and fiberglass shaft.
• O-handle grip increases leverage and reduces wrist strain during repetitive work.
• Lifetime warranty in the continental US offers assurance against defects.

Cons

• Smaller blade is less suited for very large, deep roots compared with the original full-size model.
• Fiberglass shaft, while lighter, may feel different to users who prefer all-steel construction.

Specifications

Model	Root Slayer 23311 Perennial Shovel
Blade	Heavy duty carbon steel, ~70% size of original
Shaft	Pultruded fiberglass
Handle	Patented ergonomic Root Slayer O-handle
Special features	Inverted V cutting tip and root-cutting rip saw teeth
Step	Extra wide raised forward step, offset for leverage
Warranty	Lifetime (Continental US Only)

Our Verdict

The Root Slayer 23311 Perennial Shovel is a practical, well-made tool for gardeners who need strong root-cutting ability without the bulk of the original tool. It offers real time savings when dividing perennials and reasonable ergonomics with the O-handle, making it a good value for those who work beds, raised planters, or smaller landscape projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this shovel good for dividing perennials?
Yes. The reduced blade size, inverted V tip, and rip saw teeth are specifically intended to make dividing and transplanting perennials faster and easier.

Will this handle large tree roots?
The blade is effective on many roots, but very large or deep tree roots are better handled by a full-size root slayer or specialized digging tools.

What is the shaft made of?
The shaft is pultruded fiberglass, chosen to keep the tool lightweight while maintaining durability.