Shovels for Groundbreaking
If you have a groundbreaking project to tackle, it is important to have the right kind of shovel for the job. Although the term "shovel" is universal for a digging implement, there are actually several different types of shovels that each have a purpose when it comes to the type of groundbreaking you intend to do. Does this Spark an idea?
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Square-Ended Garden Shovel
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This is the standard shovel found in most hardware and lawn and garden stores. The blade is usually 6 to 8 inches in length and features a straight, square edge at the bottom. This type of shovel is ideal when you need to make straight cuts during your groundbreaking. A square-ended shovel is not typically used for deep digging and is not as efficient as other types for trenching or turning large areas of earth.
Regular Spade
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A typical spade has a rounded edge with a spatula-shaped blade. The blade is of medium width and length, generally around 8 to 10 inches in either direction. If you have a large area of earth that needs to be turned, this is the tool for the job. This type of shovel can cut through the soil and leaves a slightly curved hole as you remove the dirt. It will dig down deeply and has enough of a blade to move the soil out of the hole easily.
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Triangular Spades
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Triangular spades have a sharp, pointed edge and the blade is shaped just like a triangle. These are smaller-bladed shovels that are used for breaking ground for plants and small seedlings. This blade is not efficient for removing soil from holes due to its small size, but its sharp edge works well for tough, clay-like soils or for ground with a lot of small rocks or gravel.
Telescopic Handled Spades
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Telescopic handled spades feature long blades that are usually in excess of 12 inches in length. The blade is very thin, typically around 3 to 4 inches in width. This is the type of shovel to use when you need to make narrow, deep holes, such as for fence posts or for older seedlings. Due to the small size of the blade, this type of shovel is meant only for spot work and not for breaking ground on a large area.
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References
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