Posthole Digger Anybody use a post hole digger for planting??

adegiulio · Jul 10, 2003

I have very rocky clay in some areas. It is very difficult to dig. Does anyone use a PHD for starting holes used for trees and bushes?? Sounds like it would work well. Just dig a hole a little deeper than you need, then use an steel bar to bust up the edges of the hole until its a wide as you need it. Shovel out all the loosened soil, and BINGO! you have a hole!

Anyone try this? Am I oversimplifying it? It would be ALOT cheaper than buying a backhoe....

Anthony

RCannon · Jul 10, 2003

Works great. planted some large maples this way digging three post holes side by side. then digging dirt out.
This was with a rented post hole digger.

IndianaPaul · Jul 10, 2003

Makes it so much easier. Used mine to plant about 30 blueberry bushes.

Paul

herbenus · Jul 10, 2003

50 pecan trees, 1 sego palm, 1 shrub. 12" auger. Used the 3 hole method one time.

markie61 · Jul 10, 2003

Half-dozen azaleas last month..... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
I have a friend who is a professional landscaper and he used the auger on his Dingo all the time to dig planting holes. It's very common, as you are probably getting the sense....
Mark

adegiulio · Jul 10, 2003

Yes Markie, I am getting that sense!! Which is terrific news in my opinion. I would rather by a PHD than a BH. I doubt I will ever need to dig a trench....

Thanks for the input!!

jmattox1 · Jul 10, 2003

Works great. Used a 6" for small 1 gallon pots planted 50 shrubs in no time

bgott · Jul 10, 2003

You know, since you mentioned it, you could dig a trench with a PHD by backing along and drilling holes. You might have some grade work to do when you were done but it would beat the hay out of digging the whole trench by hand.

Gary_in_Indiana · Jul 10, 2003

<font color="blue"> I would rather buy a PHD than a BH. </font>

At about 5% of the cost, I don't blame you there, but I'd rather HAVE a BH than a PHD. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

<font color="blue"> I doubt I will ever need to dig a trench.... </font>

How about dig out a stump? Or just use it to lift things? Or bury the remains of those pesky neighbors? /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Dwight · Jul 10, 2003

I have planted over 100 black walnut trees with a 12" post hole digger on my Kubota B2100. My soil is more rock than dirt and this is the only practical way to dig holes. Be sure that the sides of the hole are roughed up. If they are polished the roots may not be able to grow out to the sides.