Truncated Tree Spades vs. Cone Tree Spades
There are many different types of tree spades with differences in almost every possible area. The purpose of this section is to familiarize you with the standards and options of the Lemar tree spade.
There are a few different kinds of spades that we make. Here is a list of the options, advantages, and disadvantages of the equipment that we make.
Truncated tree spades have been the most commonly requested spades for us in the last three years. A truncated tree spade has a flatter bottom so the root ball can stand up on it’s own.
Truncated Tree Spades
Advantages of truncated tree spade
- The root ball is more compact with a flat bottom.
- The tree spade is more compact for the same size of root ball because
the stroke is shorter.
- A flatter bottom allows the root ball to stand up rather than lie down
after the tree has been dug.
Disadvantages of truncated tree spade
-
The spades do not penetrate the soil as easily as a cone spade.
- Does not hold very loose soil as well, because the larger
bottom opening allows soil to fall through.
Cone Tree Spades
Cone tree spades come to more of a point thus the name cone. The bottom opens about 6”.
Advantages of cone tree spade
- Pointed shovels go into soil quite easily.
- The cone type spade cuts a deeper hole, therefore it works very well with trees that have tap roots (such as pine).
- Works good in soil that does not hold together well e.g. sand, gravelly silt, or very loose loamy soils.
Disadvantages of cone tree spade
- Since the root ball is deeper it weights more.
- Cone spades are not as compact because they have a longer stroke and as the stroke is increased the height and width of the spade is increased.
* Note all of our standard spades are made to fit a 25 deg. basket, this is the most common angle for baskets used in this area. If a different angle was desired we would need to know upon placing an order. This is to eliminate the chance of an improper product for the customer.
