Getcha a real shovel! Look into a serious nursery spade.

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Hey now, THAT is a nice shovel! Getting my coat on and running out the door to get one.

What would a quality shovel like that run me? And how did you post that picture in there? I'm not all that web savvy.

Thanks for the tip....that one looks like it could do some damage and save my back from any more damage =)

It's $82.95 + shipping at Gemplers.

Here is a link that might be useful: Gemplers

ouch...

maybe Santa will bring me one... =)

How long ago did you buy the Home Depot shovel? If it was recently you "might" have better luck in returning it then if it was a year or two ago.

We ended up checking out the local yard sales for tools when we bought our new house and ended up buying a $2 shovel. First time I used it, the handle snapped, but when it did I noticed it had a Craftsman logo engossed on the handle. I whent on down to Sears and plunked down my broken shovel and walked with a brand new one. The Craftsman hand tools have a lifetime warranty, so even if this one breaks on me, I'll just go get another new one.

On the website they have a fiberglass "drain spade" similar to, but not as beefy as the previous one, but carries a price tag of only $22.99. Perhaps even cheaper if you can find one with a wooden handle versus fiberglass. That 50" handle is NICE tho... not sure how long the Craftsman spade is.

Good luck!!
Shannonhttp://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=LAWN&pid=07183865000&tab=des#tab

Here is a link that might be useful: Spade

for dividing grasses & bamboo I bought a MUTT scraper/spade at the big box store. It has a 6" wide, 1/4" thick blade.
I use my T-post drive sledge to pound it through the root ball.

I have the nursery shovel in the photo King of Spades or Wolverine, can't remember which one, and love mine!! I wouldn't be without. It's great for bamboo and large grasses. I do like the idea of pounding it into the ground with a sledge though. That would save some wear and tear on the feet! :)

I just learned of a great way to divide large grass clumps. Take an axe and drive it into the clump a little bit. Then take a heavy hammer or sledge hammer or some such tool, and pound on the flat end of the axe. It is supposed to work really well.

Agreed. Use an axe. That's the way we handle the public demonstration gardens Ornamental Grass area.

When I logged in and seen this heading I almost chocked on my coffee, coffee went every where.. I'm sorry you broke your shovel. I try to make sure when I plant my grasses I have no need every to move them and save that sweating for other projects. But I understand some times they must be dug up for what ever reason. Yesterday afternoon I burned mine all down. I find thats easier then cutting them down. I have the garden hose ready to douse the flame when the top burns. I never let the flames and heat get to the crown of the plant. All mine are away from stuctures and when I burn them its like puffff and they are gone. I think the ash even helps them a bit. Sorry about your shavel

I could be very mistaken...hope I am. I like the idea of pounding an ax to begin separating root masses of ornamental grasses. BUT...am I mistaken? Believe I've heard somewhere that the temper given to axes can cause them to shatter and do serious injury if hit with other heavy steel tools. Tell me I'm wrong pls. because I have to separate some grasses this spring and like the idea if it's safe. thanks

Some axen are specially made so that the poll (the part of the head opposite the sharp part (bit)) can be struck with a hammer. It's a special tempering process which leaves the poll softer than the bit.

If you don't know if your axe was made that way, I wouldn't hit it with a hammer, or at least not without very secure protection for face, eyes, etc..