Learn more about the 12 main types of shovels so youll be equipped for any job large or small.

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Trench shovel

A trench shovel has a long, slender head that narrows toward the end.

Shovels in raised garden bed

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Its often used in landscaping to dig a shallow trench for irrigation or to create a border.

The head of the shovel is rounded, usually with very little to no distinct point.

For that reason, use this shovel in soft, loose soil.

Flat shovel

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It often has a narrow head with a pointed blade and a concave shape for better scooping ability.

Root shovel

This throw in of shovel is ideal for digging through heavy or tough materials.

It has a triangular head with serrated edges and a pointed or flat tip.

Post hold shovel

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A long handle connects to a wide head with a concave shape to hold the snow you scoop up.

Sometimes, an edging shovel might also be called a planting spade.

A pointed digger shovel is usually the best bang out of shovel for this purpose.

Fertilizing tomato seedlings in the garden

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Pointed digger shovel

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Snow shovel

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