When it comes to planting trees, the choice between using a spade or an auger can be crucial. While technology and methods have evolved, there are still mixed opinions about which tool is best. Let's dive into the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
Concerns About Root-Bound Trees
There is a belief that augers might cause problems with root-bound trees. This issue can indeed happen, especially if you're using old pots or planter bags that encourage root coiling. When you place these root-bound plants into tight holes, particularly in hard clay, the roots can become even more constricted, leading to poor growth.
When Augers Work Best
However, in almost every other situation, augers have proven to be highly effective. Here’s why:
Aggressive Growth: For plants with strong, downward-growing roots, augers are ideal. They create ample space for the roots to expand.
Proper Soil Loosening: Using an auger bit that’s twice the size of the plant helps lift and loosen a large amount of soil. By digging a bit deeper than necessary, you ensure the soil beneath the plant is not compacted.
Less Root Disturbance: Sensitive native plants, like Mānuka, can suffer from root teasing. An auger allows for less manipulation of the roots, reducing transplant shock.
Auger Advantages
Efficiency: Augers speed up the planting process significantly, allowing you to plant more trees in less time.
Soil Quality: The loosened soil around the plant helps roots establish quickly and encourages healthier growth.
Reduced Shock: With an auger, you avoid the hard soil contact that can cause transplant shock, giving your plants a better start.
The Spade Alternative
While using a spade is traditional, it has its drawbacks:
Limited Space: Spades often create smaller, tighter holes. This can compress the roots against hard soil, leading to increased transplant shock.
Manual Effort: Planting with a spade is more labour-intensive and time-consuming.
Given our experience and observations, we believe that using an auger is the superior choice for planting trees. The key is to use the right plants—those with strong, non-root-bound roots—and the correct auger technique. By creating spacious, well-loosened holes, you set your plants up for success with minimal transplant shock and optimal growth conditions.
