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This is a review of the best axe for cutting tree roots.
Tree roots can be a pain to deal with, especially if you’re trying to clear the area for new construction.
The best way to cut tree roots is with an axe. But which one? There are so many axes on the market, so it’s hard to know what will work best for your needs.
I’ve found that mattock axes are the best for cutting tree roots. This is because they allow you to cut straight-on, unlike an axe for wood chopping or tree felling.
After comparing weight, handle length, and blade sharpness, I found the Truper Cutter Mattock to be the best choice.
It’s excellent for roots up to 2″ in width and has a long handle, helping increase power with each swing.
5 Best Axes For Cutting Tree Roots
Truper 31638 Cutter Mattock
Looking for something that can handle tree roots up to 3″ wide. You can go wrong with the Truper 31638.
The Truper 31638 Cutter Mattock is excellent for cutting roots up to 3″ in thickness.
It’s made from forged steel, has a long handle, and is easy to use. It’s also available in eye-catching colors, so you can easily find it in your tool shed.
The long handle means you can put more power into each swing because your hands are more spaced out, providing a better grip.
It has a forged steel head that can easily penetrate clay to reach the roots underneath and an excellent handle that absorbs shock.
The only downsides are that it’s not sharp enough to cut through tree roots thicker than 3″, and it’s a bit heavy (7lbs).
But overall, the Truper 31638 Cutter Mattock is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable root cutter.
What I Like...
- Great for cutting through tree roots that are up to 3″.
- Head is made from forged steel
- Long handle enhances the power of each swing.
- Can dig through clay to reach the roots underneath.
What I Don't Like...
- It’s not sharp enough to cut through tree roots thicker than 3″
- Weighs 7lbs
Similar Product: TRUPER TP-5F Pick-Mattock
Hooyman Pick Mattock
Not only does this axe easily cut through roots, but it can also dig through hard ground without any issues.
The Hooyman Pick Mattock is your primary weapon of destruction when dealing with tree roots.
This double-edged pick connects to a 36″ handle, providing you with enough leverage for a comfortable and firm grip.
I couldn’t ask for a more perfectly balanced design axe!
In addition, a non-slip handle prevents injuries from happening when your hands are tired.
When you consider it is also made in the USA, you couldn’t ask for a better axe for cutting tree roots!
Furthermore, the heavier weight produces more downward force than the lighter competitors, helping to get the job done faster.
However, the heavier design is taxing on your muscles. Use the Hooyman Pick Mattock for hours, and you’ll feel it in your back and shoulders by the end of the day!
There is also a hole at the bottom end, so it can be stored on the rack in your shed or garage – saving you space.
In addition, the 2 1/2″ cutting blade is smaller than many other brands but can still get through most tree roots.
What I Like...
- Heavier weight produces more downward force
- 36” Handle is long enough for a comfortable grip.
- Made in the USA
- Fiberglass hands help minimize shock
What I Don't Like...
- The heavier weight is taxing on your muscles
- 2 1/2″ cutting blade is smaller than many other brands
Similar Product: Truper 32655
TABOR TOOLS Pick Mattock
The Tabor Tools Mattock is smaller, which makes it great for cutting through smaller roots.
Do you need a tool to cut through smaller tree roots? The TABOR TOOLS Pick Mattock is an excellent choice.
It is lightweight, making it easier to use for more extended periods without getting fatigued!
Plus, the bright design makes it easy to spot in your garage when you misplace it. No worries about not being able to find your mattock again thanks to the bright green color!
This product also has a non-slip grip and sharp blade, so you can easily cut through those pesky tree roots. Finally, its compact size allows for easy storage.
A downside is that some people had issues with the head sliding down the handle. But this is a minor inconvenience that can easily be fixed with some DIY.
Also, it doesn’t produce as much downward force as a heavier axe. Hence why it’s best for smaller roots.
What I like...
- Lightweight design makes it better for cutting smaller roots.
- The bright design makes it easy to locate
- It is less taxing on your muscles
- Non-slip grip enhances comfort when the going gets tough!
What I Don't Like...
- Some people had issues with the head sliding down the handle
- Doesn’t produce as much downward force as a heavier axe
Similar Product: KEILEOHO 17.7 Inches Pick Mattock
Estwing Mattock Pick
Made from a single piece of steel, you can go wrong with this one if you’re looking for durability.
This axe is made from one piece of steel, making it extremely durable. The non-slip rubber handle helps provide more power with each swing; while securing your grip.
The reason it’s ideal for cutting tree roots is because it has a sharp blade that retains its edge longer than other axes.
In addition, it only weighs 4 lbs, so you won’t get fatigued as quickly. Because who wants that, right!?
Designed in Rockford, USA, you can be confident you’re getting exceptional quality!
Another benefit of this product is the comfortable handle that does an excellent job minimizing impact force when you accidentally hit a rock while chopping.
Unfortunately, some customers said it arrived with a bit of rust on the head – although there was only a small percentage who had this issue.
Also, the long head makes it difficult to maneuver in narrow spaces. Despite these minor inconveniences, the Estwing Mattock Pick is still a top contender for tree roots.
What I Like...
- Made from one piece of steel
- Non-slip rubber handle provides a secure grip
- Weighs only 4 lbs, so you won’t get fatigued as easily
- The cutting blade retains its sharpness
What I Don't Like...
- Difficult to maneuver in narrow spaces.
- A small minority of customers reported that there was rust on the head.
Similar Product: Pretul Truper 20570
TABOR TOOLS Chopping Axe
While it may be great for splitting logs, I wouldn’t recommend it for cutting through tree roots.
Although the Tabor Tools Chopping Axe is great as a splitting axe for cutting firewood, I don’t recommend it for tree roots. The reason?
It’s not a mattock axe, so you’ll need to cut roots side on. This is going to make your job harder, increasing burnout.
Additionally, people have complained that the axe comes dull and requires sharpening upon unboxing.
Another common complaint is that the edge is bent rather than straight. The head has also been known to disconnect from the handle.
What I Like...
- Makes a good felling axe
What I Don't Like...
- Not a mattock axe
- Arrives with a dull cutting edge
- Some customers received it with a bent edge
- Head has been known to disconnect from the handle
Similar Product: LEXIVON V28s Splitting Axe
Things To Consider When Choosing An Axe For Cutting Tree Roots
Blade sharpness
If you’re cutting through tree roots, you’re bound to hit rocks at some point. That’s why you need an axe with a good cutting blade.
Otherwise, you might find yourself in a frustrating situation where your blade bends and dulls very quickly – making it challenging to finish the job.
It’s also a good idea to have some type of axe sharpening tool on hand. It doesn’t matter what kind of axe you buy; it will need sharpening eventually.
Mattock Axe
When cutting through tree roots, you need a mattock axe because it has a sharp blade that’s angled. This enables you to cut through roots by chopping them head-on.
With a normal axe, you will need to cut tree roots side-on, which is more difficult and taxing on your body.
Non-slip Handle
When cutting tree roots, you need to focus all your energy on the task at hand. If you have an axe with a weak or slippery grip, it could easily slip out of your hand’s mid-swing – causing significant injuries.
To prevent this, invest in an axe with a molded rubber grip. It provides security without compromising the comfort and power needed for chopping.
Weight
Axe weight is vital because you need one light enough for extended use but heavy enough to make deep cuts into tree roots and dirt.
It will get tedious if you have an axe that’s too light, as you have to keep swinging it multiple times to cut through roots.
Length Of Head
The length of the head is important because it will determine how easily you can maneuver the axe in tight spaces.
If the head is too long, you’ll find it challenging to use in areas without much clearance.
Of course, this doesn’t apply when cutting roots in a large open area.
Handle Length
A long handle will help save energy because you won’t have to exert as much effort per swing.
On the flip side, if it’s too long, you’ll struggle to maneuver in tight spaces.
So it’s essential to get one that is balanced between these two extremes – which can be pretty tough to do!
FAQ
Can you use an axe to cut roots?
Yes, but it has to be a mattock axe.
You need one with a sharp blade that can be angled. This enables you to cut through roots by chopping them head-on.
Standard axes cannot do this because they have straight blades, which are designed for cutting woods. Therefore, you’ll need to cut the root sideways – which is more demanding and time-consuming.
Are roots difficult to dig up?
Providing you get a high-quality axe capable of digging up tree roots, it shouldn’t be too difficult. The main factor that contributes to difficulty is the weight.
You need to find something that is not too light, nor too heavy…
Unless, of course…you’re built like the hulk!
Before We Part
The most important thing to remember when buying an axe for cutting tree roots is that it’s not the same as splitting logs.
Want to split wood? Then you’re better off getting a standard axe.
For tree roots, you need a mattock axe with great cutting efficiency.