Nothing quite says spring like getting out in the garden. But there’s a reason yardwork contains the word “work”—sprucing up your outdoor space can be a chore. That’s where having great gardening tools comes in. The better the tools, the less tedious the task. To that end, I tested out the 14-inch Wilcox All-Pro Heavy-Duty Digging Trowel, part of the Iowa-based brand’s line that also includes weeders, scoops, and various other trowels. I wanted to see how well the product, said to be a multitasking powerhouse, performed while I attempted to get my blooming backyard back into shape.
Design: The All-Pro is an all-star
I wasn’t blown away when I first opened the package, but I did appreciate the bright red handle, gleaming stainless steel blade, and the slim leather hand strap. The made-in-the-USA tool has a simple but elegant, if not especially exciting, style. Rather than the typical rounded shape for scooping, this trowel boasts a 2.75-inch-wide stainless steel blade with two flat sides that angle together in the middle, forming a sharp, pointed tip. This unique beveled design enables it to scoop as well as pierce through the earth, sometimes even simultaneously. Engraved ruler markings provide a helpful guide in determining depth while planting. At 14 inches in length, it is longer than the classic trowel (most are just half or two-thirds as long). Though I initially wondered if that would hamper its usefulness, I soon discovered that length is one of this tool’s greatest strengths, boosting its versatility and efficiency.
Performance: Exceeds expectations
Wilcox wasn’t boasting when it put “All-Pro” in the name. The title definitely fits the trowel, as this gardening powerhouse excels at so many basic yardwork tasks. From the moment I put this All-Star tool to the test, the beveled edges dug superbly through all manner of soil—rocky, hard, heavy, weed-laden—with tremendous ease. I found it was an efficient planting tool thanks to measurements etched onto the blade and a pointed tip that allowed it to efficiently masquerade as a weeding knife as well. The longer length gives each motion much more oomph and leverage, making efforts all the more productive and saving time and energy. The ergonomically designed red plastic handle of the trowel is quite comfortable and secure to hold. I found the grip to be sturdy, and it continued to feel great over the course of many hours of use. The leather hand strap also serves as a handy loop by which to hang this trowel in the garden shed for easy access and storage. All in all, I was thrilled by the all-purpose functionality of this tool as well as how pleasant it is to use.
Ease of Cleaning: Occasionally a bit of work
The blade of the trowel cleans easily and keeps its brilliant shine. The only challenge is that dirt can accumulate between the ridges on the bright red plastic grip, which is molded over the handle end of the metal tool. A good washing takes care of that with ease. Dirt and debris can also get stuck in the hollow of the blade underneath the grip, and that can take a bit more effort to remove. However, with warm water and the help of a small protruding tool (I used a chopstick) getting the excess dirt out is not a problem.
Price: Well worth it
The price of this trowel is about $17, compared with around $10 for basic models. However, I feel that the American-made product’s quality materials and lifetime guarantee justify this higher cost. Overall, this gem of a garden tool’s additional features make it worth every extra dollar over the traditional trowel.
Wilcox All-Pro Heavy-Duty Digging Trowel vs. Edward Tools Garden Trowel
Both of these trowels have ergonomic handles and depth markers engraved on the blades. However, the Edward Tools Transplanter Trowel, which retails for around $10, is a shorter, more traditional trowel constructed with high-grade polished steel that’s said to be bend-proof. Each is well-made and efficient, but personally, I prefer the longer length of the Wilcox All-Pro blade, as well as its sharp beveled edges and pointed tip. It’s not often that you come across a tool that has nearly no drawbacks and almost all advantages. That was my experience with the 14-inch Wilcox All-Pro Heavy-Duty Digging Trowel. The heavy-duty, built-to-last trowel is a heavy hitter every gardener should have in his or her arsenal. You can easily dig, plant flowers, cut roots, and scoop soil with the well-made, multi-purpose superstar.
