Best Overall
CobraHead Original Weeder & Cultivator Garden Tool
Best Bang for the Buck
Radius Garden Ergonomic Weeder
Best Knife Weeder
Nisaku NJP801 Yamagatana Stainless Steel Knife
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Thoughherbicidescontrol weeds , these chemical can gravel serious health risks to humans and wildlife . Manual weeding , on the other hand , stick the job done without hurt to masses , favourite , or the environment . With a well - made weeding pecker and some watchfulness , banish these pesky plant can be pretty childlike .
Weeds proliferate in yourgardenseemingly overnight , and it ’s wanton to absent them when they ’re young . Some weeds , such as dandelion , develop a exclusive taproot that develop deeply into the ground as the plant matures . The longer the taproot , the more hard it becomes to eradicate . Though some weeds release without a fighting , others will have gardener wondering whether they need a jackhammer to free them . That said , timing and filth conditions are primal to weed removal : After a rain , soil is balmy and more willing to release root .
With a proliferation of locoweed - ascendence tools available , choosing the right one for the task at manus may feel like a shot in the nighttime . To avail , we search out and tested tools that work well for a variety of circumstances . Our favorite was theOriginal Weeder from CobraHead , thanks to its versatile consumption and durable mollify steel head . Shoppers seem for the best weeding tool will want to hold back out our shopping considerations and intersection limited review ahead .
Product Comparison
Our Top Picks
With our shopping considerations in head , which we look at later in greater detail , we created a list of the best weeding tools for distinctive lawn , garden , and landscape project . take on to ascertain more about these tool and how they performed in our test .
ThisBob Vila Approvedproduct carries our mark ’s highest level of recommendation .
Bob Vila Approvedrecognizes the menage and DIY products that instill us most in our real - humanity testing and that illustrate core values of the Bob Vila stigma , including craftsmanship , innovation , and value for the buck . Winners of this designation come recommend by our professional review article squad and are in person approved by Bob Vila .
with child for absent stubborn weeds from toilsome dirt , this weeding tool ’s curved , forge - sword end hooks deep beneath the weed to revoke and remove it . It ’s made to easily pierce soil and permit the user apply pressure from the side , bottom , or any angle in between to discover the pot ’s weakest distributor point .
The multifunction peter ’s shovellike hint resemble a ophidian head and can be used for planting rows of seeds , scratch up in fertilizer around plant , and skin out vernal weed seedlings . The plastic handle is design to help gardeners keep a firm handle while they work .
In examination , the CobraHead ’s versatility really move us . The curved prick and fingernail - alike cast of the leaf blade dug deep into the soil for remotion of taproot , yet it just scratch up the surface to cultivate safely next to young seedlings . In addition to our in - ground and container garden weeding test , we used the CobraHead to devise planting spots for novel seedlings . The tough blade speedily loosen the surface to a depth of about 4 inch with little try .
The buddy-buddy hold supply a sure , comfortable clench in either hired man . The drawback of this tool ’s plan is that it easy cuts off the deepest taproots , leaving the rostrum behind to resprout . But for young weeds of all types , cultivating near sensible plants , and periodic soil preparation work , this is a ready to hand little tool . We can highly recommend the CobraHead ’s alone shape and lightweight purpose to tackle weed and many other garden - related project .
Get the CobraHead weed tool atAmazon , Gardener ’s Edge , orGrow Organic .
Gardeners necessitate a warm grip to weed in dim soil , but as hands tire , clasp strength endure . The curving handle on the Radius Garden weeding peter is designed to keep the exploiter ’s mitt and carpus align while push the serrated aluminum dick next to the root to lift out the weed . This telling tool helps get rid of deeply rooted weeds that grow at the base of vegetables , bush , and perennials — and it ’s a bargain , to charge .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe
The narrow-minded steel easy cuts through any type of soil to remove pestiferous weed and help to navigate around nearby plant life without damaging their source . The unusual frame of the thermoplastic grip provides a quiet , comfy surface that ’s gentle to flow on to .
Another various weeder that duplicate as a transplanter , this Radius hand tool proved impressive for the price . It was very good at polish off accomplished taproot weeds , with the narrow sword easy reaching 5 to 6 in recondite to loosen the soil for thoroughgoing removal without breaking the root . For shallow , fibrous weed , we slid the blade just below the soil Earth’s surface at a shallow slant , a dense process , but ultimately successful .
As a transplanter for seedlings , however , it work quite well . It was lightweight and easy to expend , and the outsize ergonomic cushioned grip left us with virtually no hired hand fatigue after extended usage . Those who postulate a taproot weed tool for work in confine spaces will find this one quite helpful , and it ’s probable to come in handy for other chores as well .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe
Get the Radius Garden weed putz atAmazon .
Though several popular configuration of weeding knives live , we favor the classic Nipponese hori hori knife design . This weeding peter by Nisaku conflate classic stylus with modern fabric that will belike last a lifespan . The unsullied steel sword features one smooth sharpened bound and one serrated edge to cut well through weed roots , divide cluster of perennials , and cut garden twine . The concave human face of the sword is idealistic for remove taproot , and engraved measuring markings help to gauge transplant planting astuteness .
The ergonomic contour handle includes a coarse-textured Earth’s surface for improved grip and a wide mold hilt loop for hang on a hook in the garden shed . The tongue comes with a formative case for secure carrying and computer storage .
Photo: amazon.com
In testing , the do - it - all Nisaku hori hori garden knife proved well construct , well - balanced , and well-heeled to use for large and modest hands . It did a great job of taproot removal and skimming the soil beneath fibrous root weeds , though it was less successful when it come to prying weeds from narrow crack between bricks and pavers . We also used it to hollow , split up , and transfer a few hostas that had finished flower , and it made quick work of the tough fibrous roots .
The vane ’s material construction feel , feels , and is in fact extremely mellow quality : gamey atomic number 6 440C stainless steel hardened to HRC 58 — similar in stuff and hardness as professional kitchen knives and top - notch scoop knives . Even after digging around in the dirt , the edges were still sharp enough to slice easily through ¼-inch - blockheaded forsythia branches . Though we found the plastic scabbard to feel rather cheap , we conceive that serious gardeners will want to keep this shaft close at hand for all sort of job .
Get the Nisaku weed tool atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Photo: amazon.com
Best Standing Weeder
Grampa’s Weeder
Before the days of spray - on grass killers , obtain a weed - gratis lawn meant pulling the vexing unwanted plants by bridge player . Grampa ’s Weeder was probably herald as a miracle back saver when it was introduced in 1913 . Now the classic designing represents an efficient alternative to chemical controls . Plus , it can be rather fun to use .
The simple-minded , ingenious invention features a sword stair - on lever tumbler connected to a hinged jaw . abuse down to put in the putz into the soil , then lever back on the hold to pull out the weed , root word and all . Results are prompt , with no ugly dead pot left in the lawn .
During tests , we found Grampa ’s Weeder was most effective for purpose on dandelion and other sarcoid frozen and rosette - forming pot such as wild reddish blue and wild lettuce . We had the greatest succeeder when our clay - based soil was damp but not muddy . When the territory was too lactating , the tool lost grip power , and when the grime was teetotal , the weed roots were more likely to go against off . But in the most favorable experimental condition , we pull 10 to 12 green goddess per minute ( 5 to 6 seconds per Mary Jane ) .
Photo: amazon.com
Working just a few minutes a day , long enough to fill a bucketful with weeds , we completely carry off weeds from 5,000 substantial foundation of lawn in 3 days . Grampa ’s Weeder work just as well in landscape painting and heyday bed . For those who deal with veritable invasion of taproot and fleshy root grass , this could be a helpful weapon to fight the adept fight .
Get the Grampa ’s Weeder weeding dick atAmazon , Ace Hardware , orGarrett Wade .
Best Fork Weeder
Corona Extended Reach ComfortGel 2-Prong Weeder
Two - prong weeders are taproot specialist , and this one from Corona is one of the best . This weeding cock is made of steel with a sharpened warmth - treated fork - tipped sword . It features a long handgrip that turn weed into put up - up work , save the user ’s back and knees , while a trapezoidal - shaped cushioned - grip handle reduces hand weariness .
We used this Corona putz to pull in weeds from lawn , landscape , and garden bed . Although it is made of steel , it felt lightweight to conduct around , and we appreciate the simplicity of the purpose — a complete lack of moving parts . It proved easy to mesh one - handed : Slide the head into the ground next to the weed , then draw the lever tumbler back to turn up the weed . It worked best on medium to large locoweed ( lowly gage often slipped between the fork ) when soil was damp . clay , alas , prevented the lever action from working properly , while hard ironic soil pass to steady down breakout and only partial removal . This weed puller was specially useful for woody sess such as young oak tree , sweet gingiva , and elm tree seedlings . Despite territory condition issues , the tool proved to be an well-to-do - to - use , well-fixed - to - store plus for patrolling the thou .
Get the Corona weeding peter atAce Hardware , Lowe ’s , orAcme Tools .
Photo: amazon.com
Best Short-Handle Hoe
Elegital Blue Arrow Express Kana Hoe 217 Garden Tool
A kana hoe , which works on the pulling stroke , is used for scratch and slice up flawlessly through shallow roots in the upper layers of grunge . This one from Elegital is build for up - close work in raised beds , container gardens , and in - ground gardens . The broadly curve blade is attached to the handle at a easy slant to reduce script and wrist fatigue while working sharply . It sport a hardwood handle and a high - carbon - steel head that quell sharp longer and resharpens more easily than other types of sword .
The size of this pecker was just correct for engrave out 2 or 3 square feet of weeds at a time . The needlelike blade slice right through , whether the weeds were unseasoned or well established . In established garden areas , three or four stroke were fair to middling to cut through weed roots and break up the resulting junk . It work the soil to a astuteness of up to 4 or 6 inches , so it ’s useful for preparing planting mess as well . However , where blockheaded tree roots or bombastic rock were present , it became much less in effect .
This kana hoe would be a great choice for general weeding and replanting in raised beds or well - established in - ground garden but probably not for landscape beds . Note : The leaf blade orientation is for powerful - handed users . Lefties may need to check out this one from Bonsai .
Photo: acehardware.com
Get the Elegital weeding tool atAmazon .
Best Long-Handle Hoe
Truper Tru Tough Welded Warren Hoe
This garden hoe is design to be effective at eliminate different kinds of weeds in different garden quad , and help with planting too . With an overall duration of 54 inch , the Truper Tru weeding tool is a back - save weed slayer . It offers raft of range to work through raised beds efficiently and in - ground gardens without unneeded deflexion and stooping . It feature a 54 - inch hardwood handle and weld brand head .
We liked that we could easily apply any edge of this hoe to eradicate weeds in dissimilar fashion . Between row of garden vegetables , we mostly used the prospicient , slightly curved sides of the blade to scrape the weeds by , switching to the right hand or left side as needed to avoid damaging garden plant . Between plants spaced at least 4 or 5 inch aside , we employed the pointed end to scratch up out grass . In addition to weed , we used this hoe to attract soil into mounds ( “ hills ” ) to plant mash and to create long , minute furrows for planting beans .
The hardwood handle was lightweight and strong , and it felt proficient in helping hand , but it is no doubt susceptible to abasement if left exposed to the elements . Plus , we happen that the tool was not peculiarly effective at working in heavy clay soil that had not been previously till . Still , this Warren hoe would make an splendid elementary weed tool for any vegetable gardener , and its versatility will suit those just beginning to install a garden tool collection or with limited reposition distance .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Truper weed puppet atAmazon , DK Hardware , orNorth 40 Outfitters .
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Weeding Tools
Those looking for nontoxic ways toeliminate weedsfrom lawn and gardens typically begin by merely pulling them by hand . Soon enough they realize that specialized tools are better for controlling the toughened locoweed . The locations where those tools will be used and the types of weeds that are present play dominant office in deciding which weeding tool are best become for the job . Our tests , therefore , included a variety of tool designed for specific tasks .
We carry out our weeding tool tests in two trial areas : a lawn and a vegetable garden . Both areas included a variety of common weeds with different growth habits , such as dandelion , wild violet , finger grass , and spurge . We used each tool for a minimum of an 60 minutes to green goddess in one or both of these areas , depending on the instrument design . For instance , we used the Warren hoe only in the garden , but we test the Radius weeding creature in both areas .
For inclusion in this usher , we required that a tool offer excellent effect in one or more decisive weeding tasks : universal weed control in raised or in - ground garden beds , general weed control in container gardens or confined blank space , or move out taproot and rosette weeds from lawns . Because of the multifariousness of designs tested , we evaluated each tool based on its ability to do its own designed function or else of compare dissimilar puppet .
Photo: amazon.com
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Weeding Tool
With a wide array of weed cock from which to take , it may be unmanageable to decide on the best one to maintain garden bed and lawn . However , shoppers may apprize the variety when they translate the features each tool provide , frompulling weedsto slip through press ground . Take some meter to learn about these implement and the broker that specify them aside to find out the best tool for weeding any cubic yard .
Types of Weeding Tools
The method of green goddess removal , such as digging , chop , cutting , slicing , or rake , distinguishes the several types of weed tools from one another .
Taproot weeds such as dandelions require a digging dick that click stain deeply enough to dislodge the entire root . Traditional fork - lingua fishtail weeder work well . Snakehead and spearpoint tips also develop to the task . Grub hoe , the toughest of these prick , may make the serious match for large weeds in laboured dirt .
Short - handledchopping hoeshelp remove large weeds in areas that demand more precision , such as around the base of perennials and shrubs . Steel shovel , perhaps the best digging tools for difficult Lucius Clay territory , wo n’t turn away or break in denser ground .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe
Although not always utilitarian on deep rooted weeds , cutting tools such as knives and sickles work well on ascendent that are more fibrous , such as those of finger grass and grovel Charlie , which posture closely to the land surface .
Knives cut away integral piece of mourning band - overrun turf and scrape out weeds from pavement cracks and pavers . slicer , such as stirrup - style hoe , skim the surface of the soil with a push / pull in movement . They quick remove little weeds or those in cultivated bed .
Ideal for wanton , leisurely - to - work soil in cultivated flower and vegetable gardens , rake weeders , like stirrup hoes , forks , and hybrid cultivators , compound digging and scan tools on a undivided head to lift clusters of shallow - root green goddess .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe
These tools work out with a get-up-and-go / clout action , skim the soil surface and dislodging smaller weeds that gardeners can gather and discard or leave in place to break up and feed the filth . deliberate a long - handled run down weeder for take away weeds around shrubs and a forgetful version for raised beds and tight infinite .
Size and Weight
The size and element of a weeding tool have the most impingement on its weight . Hand pecker may weigh less than a pound and usually no more than 5 or 6 pounds . Lighter manual full - length tools such as hoe and ramification unremarkably weigh between 5 and 10 pounds .
A leaden tool can be tiring to handle when weeding for a long menses , so prove to strike a balance between durability and weight ( not to mention price ) . Aluminum and plasticgarden toolsare weak and less expensive , but they most probably wo n’t last very long . Steel and fiberglass are pricier and last longer . Wooden tools count more and be less .
Those working on a minuscule flower bed with minimum growing areas may find a small , lighter tool sufficient . little prick allow for more flexibleness and precision in tighter spaces . More across-the-board garden command heavier , sturdier prick that provide more leveraging for get the picture and breaking up soil .
Blade and Handle Material
untarnished blade , aluminium , credit card , forest , and fiberglass image conspicuously into the grip and blades of weeding cock .
Handle Length
For the right handle duration , consider both the work sphere and the exploiter ’s own forcible limitation . Large garden beds and walkways are good weed from an just position that remove the stress off the back , help gardener do the greatest amount of work with the least amount of attempt . If regretful human knee or hip make it hard to kneel comfortably , choose a longer handle .
Some weeders include a lineament that lets substance abuser draw the weed and discard it without have to bend over . Raised bed and nasty spaces are conducive to short - handle weeders that allow gardeners — peculiarly those with sizeable joints — get up nigh . Some weed creature let in an ergonomic grip that proceed the hand and wrist at the same angle , rid of form on articulation make by prolonged repetitive usance .
Grip
prophylactic coat on grips and handles can help alleviate wear and tear on hands . Shoppers will want to keep in judgement that regardless of the ergonomic or fatigue duty - relieving features any hold or grasp might offer , it ’s still a right mind to wear a quality brace of horticulture gloves to keep off scratches and cuts from branches , stones , and thorns .
formative hold designed in ergonomic shape that offer a comfortable grip knead fine for smaller tools . However , they often ca n’t manage the leveraging pressure that larger tool can , and they will snap easily .
FAQs
Many dissimilar dick can aid in removing weeds . As mention in this usher , weeding tool typically fall into three categories : dig and chopping tools , cutting and slicing tools , and raking cock . Within these categories , there are a mixture of options , include fork weeder , snakehead weeder , spearpoint - tip weed-whacker , grub hoe , knife weeders , sickles , and stirrup hoes .
It ’s important to move cautiously around flowers , shrub , and other plants to avert damage their roots . With this in mind , theElegital weeding toolis a effective choice for maintaining control while remove weeds from around plants .
Pullers lean to be the best dandelion weeder shaft . One of the best shaft for remove blowball isGrampa ’s Weeder .
The in force manus weed-whacker can vary depending on the user and the task at hired hand , but theCobraHead weeding tooland theRadius Garden weeding toolare among the best hand weed-whacker available .
Our Best Advice for Beginner Gardeners
We ’ll help you place up your first garden — whether that ’s a few pots on your terrace , a raised bed , or an in - ground patch out back — and select the right plants for your territory and part .
