Best Tree Planting Auger

Having a tree planting auger can make your task sooo much easier than if you had to dig holes with a shovel.

Check out the top tree planting auger quick review chart and our in depth discussions below to pick the best tree planting auger for you!

tree planting auger
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Top Tree Planting Auger Quick Review Chart

Best Tree Planting Auger Reviews

8 Best Tree Augers: Editor’s Choice

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Editor’s Choice: Best Tree Planting Auger

DC House

N/A
  • 63cc Gas Engine, 2 stroke
  • 8Approx 30lbs
  • Multiple Drill Bits Included
  • Finger tip Controls

The DC HOUSE is our top choice for best tree planting auger.  With multiple sized drill bits included, you can conquer all your planting chores without having to worry if you have the right sized drill bit.  

Includes 6″ and 10″ drill bits, but there are a few options to choose from so you can pick an auger that even includes a 12″ bit along with all the others.  This also saves you cash and time, because you don’t have to order extra bits for each job.  

The 2 stroke, 63cc engine comes with an easy fuel delivery system that gives you a quick start with one pull.  The gas tank capacity is 1.5L and it’s also see through so you can keep an eye on your fuel level while you work.  

Don’t forget to fill the gear box with gear oil before getting started because it doesn’t come prefilled.  This unit kicks back when starting so make sure you have a firm grip on it.  

The 3.4HP, 2500w engine really has some power to it, and you might need 2 people if you’re drilling in harder soil conditions.

If you’re looking for a tree planting auger that crosses off all the prime features you’re looking for, the DC HOUSE is it.

Pros
Includes extra bits and extension rods
Easy Start
Fingertip power and speed controls
Powerful
Cons
Kicks Back when starting
Instructions aren’t so great
Throttle body may be a little weak

Earthquake Dually

N/A
  • GAS AUGER
  • 52cc, 2 cycle Viper Engine
  • 1 or 2 person
  • Powerhead only
  • 29 lbs
  • 5 year warranty
  • Anti vibration w/foam grips

One of the most notable features of this tree planting Earthquake auger, would be that it can be used by one or two people, which means that you can have more power to drill through the ground. This tree planting auger is powered by gas and weighs approximately 29lbs.

The 52cc two-cycle gas Viper engine is powerful. Using it to its full potential may require two people, especially if you’re in some difficult soil.  The output torque is 62ft-lb. The 5 bearing transmission and centrifugal clutch slips if it suddenly impacts with rocks or tree roots.

The Dually is durable with solid steel heat treated gears.  The handles are welded steel with anti-vibration foam grips. They are designed in such a way that if you drop this tree planting auger, the steel cage formed by the handlebars protects the powerhead from damage.

You won’t have to worry about using it for any type of soil because you can buy different bits and extensions for this powerhead.  This means you can use it as a tree planting auger, ice auger, digging holes for fence posts or construction.  

Starting is easy due to the quick start primer.

The Earthquake 52cc Dually Earth Auger Powerhead can accept two inches to 10 inches auger bits for soil.  If you need to dig down deep, like greater than 3 feet, you can also buy 12- or 18-inch extension shafts.   This tree planting auger will only accept Earthquake brand extensions. 

Weighing in at 24lbs, this powerhead is lightweight.  Paired with a powerful 52cc engine means you can drill in almost any conditions without much effort.

Pros
Durable
Powerful Engine
5 year warranty
Can get through small roots
Quick Start easy primer
Cons
Like any auger, not so great in rocky soil
Needs 2 people to use to full potential
Auger Bits not included
PRO TIPS
When digging holes with your tree planting auger, make sure to rough up the sides of your hole. This helps the tree roots spread out into the ground. Your trees will become established much faster, leading to healthy trees.

XtremepowerUS Auger

N/A
  • 1200W Power
  • Electric
  • 28.5 pounds
  • 1.6 HP, 200 RPM
  • 90 ft per lb/torque
  • 4 inch bit

If you like to keep yourself busy in your garden, a quality hole digger like the XtremepowerUS Auger is a must-have. This modern auger, with its replaceable drill bits, safety features, and powerful electric motor, is designed for professionals and homeowners alike. The XtremepowerUS Electric Auger Digger is designed for light- and medium-duty digging tasks around your home or garden.

The XtremepowerUS Post Hole Digger is a durable product, as the drill bit is made of manganese steel, which is known for its extreme strength.  It is also coated with an extra layer of black paint to improve resistance against corrosion and rust, which increases the product’s lifespan. 

This tool comes with a safety lock function. With the safety lock on, you won’t have to worry about kids or anyone else triggering the powerhead. The design also comes with ergonomic handles, making this tool safe and comfortable at the same time. The handles feature vibration-proof, anti-skid grips, providing you with the perfect balance and stability when working. 

It isn’t designed for large-scale projects as the engine is only 1.6 HP.  The diameter of the drill bit is also four inches, which is good enough for digging holes for plants and trees. The overall dimensions of the product, together with the auger bit, are 23 x 15 x 43 inches.  

The package includes a four-inch auger bit, a hex spanner, and the electric auger. However, you need to assemble the powerhead and the auger bit on your own. Even though there is only one bit included in the package, if you want to dig deeper, you can always buy extensions.  

Pros
Energy Efficient
Compact but powerful Design
Easy to Operate
Durable
Cons
Only 1 auger bit included
Needs assembly
No variable speed control

Vevor Electric Post Hole Digger

N/A
  • 39″ long
  • 6″ diameter bit
  • 12″ Extension Included
  • Vibration Proof Grips
  • 1200 or 1500W avail.
  • 200 RPM

The high-quality Vevor Post Hole Digger can withstand material wear, hard impact, extrusion, bad weather, or poor working conditions. It’s coated with an extra layer of black paint to improve resistance against corrosion and rust, which increases the product’s lifespan.  

You can buy this unit in 1200W or 1500W depending on what kind of power you need for your projects. The 1500 Watt 1.6HP engine will get you 200 RPMs and torque of 90ft-lb. This means it can cut through smaller roots without problems.

It has a 39″ drilling depth and the extension rod and auger bit are heavy duty manganese steel.

The Vevor Post Hole Digger comes with a safety lock function. With the safety lock on, you won’t have to worry about kids or anyone else triggering the powerhead.  

The design also comes with ergonomic handles, making this tool safe and comfortable at the same time. The handles feature vibration-proof, anti-skid grips, providing you with the perfect balance and stability when digging holes for trees.  

The Vevor Post Hole Digger can work with soft or clay soil, but probably not an ideal product for rocky soil in the garden. Also, it is not designed for large-scale projects as the engine is only 1.6 HP.  

The diameter of the drill bit is also six inches, which is good enough for digging holes for posts and plants.

The package includes a 12 inch extension for even more reach.   

Package Content Include:
  • 1 x Electric Earth Auger Engine
  • 1 x Auger Bit
  • 1 x Extension Bar
  • 2 x Mount Pins
  • 1 x Hex Spanner
  • 1 x Manual
Pros
Energy Efficient
Compact Design
Easy to Operate
Durable
Cons
Only 1 Auger bit included
Needs assembly
Lacks variable speed control

Best Tree Planting Auger: Hand Augers

Seymour Adjustable Hand Auger

N/A
  • 2″ maple cross handle
  • 6-8″ point spread
  • Heavy gauge steel blades
  • Weighs under 9 lbs
  • 40-42 inches depth

The Seymour Auger is an excellent post hole digger. It’s easy to use by a single person and is completely manual. Let us list some of its top features that we love, including that it’s made in the USA.

What’s great about the Seymour post hole digger is how simple it is to use. It doesn’t require you to spend hours reading a manual or watching online tutorials.  You’ll be able to use the Seymour AUA2 Adjustable Auger with absolutely no problems. 

To use this tool, all you need to do is turn it clockwise. If you reach a point where it is tough to dig through, such as through rocky spots, then you can simply turn this tool in a counter-clockwise direction intermittently. This will loosen the rocks and help you break through it. However, if that doesn’t help, then you will need to invest in a digging bar.  

The Seymour adjustable auger comes with completely adjustable settings that will allow the user to create holes either at six-inch diameter, seven-inch diameter, or eight-inch diameter. This tree planting auger easily surpasses the performance of a standard clamshell digger.

The Seymour adjustable auger comes with a 21 inch wooden handle made from hard maple. This handle will give you more than enough leverage to turn the Seymour post hole digger in most soils. The shaft is welded steel with dual steel blades riveted to a strong and rugged yolk.  You can get about 40 to 42 inches of hole depth when planting trees.

This auger will cut through 1/4 inch roots, but anything bigger will require you to get out more tools to conquer the job. It is possible to buy extension rods for this unit to be able to dig even deeper.

The Seymour post hole auger weighs a little under nine pounds making it easy for everyone to use.  

Pros
Easy to Use
Durable Construction
Lightweight
Add pipe extension for more depth easily
Cons
More effort than using a power auger
Budget Friendly
Not so great in rocky soils, clay, or hard soils

Seymour Tree Feeding Auger

N/A
  • 2″ diameter holes
  • 2″ point spread
  • 36″ steel shaft with steel handle
  • Made in USA
  • Easy to Use

This tree planting auger from Seymour is perfect for planting seedlings in easy to moderate soils.  For clay soils we recommend wetting the soil first then digging.  If you have a bunch of tree seedlings to plant, this tree feeding auger is great and within budget.

Since the handle is steel, we recommend wearing gloves with grip to keep your hands from slipping off the handle.  Seymour makes its products in the USA from steel, which leads to a strong an durable product.  When we used it, we found that we could store it anywhere.

This tree planting auger 36 inches long so be mindful of the depth you need to plant things. Its also limited to a 2 inch hole, so its really only good for saplings, bulbs, and those sorts of small items that you need to plant.

Because this is a hand powered auger instead of gas/propane, it’s also better for the environment.

Our experience with the Seymour Tree Feeding Auger is overall positive.  Please note if you have rocky soil, or clay soil, you will have a difficult time drilling holes.

Pros
Budget friendly
Steel Construction
Made in USA
Portable
Easy to Use
Cons
Handle is slippery
Manual labor to dig holes
Limited to 1 size of hole

Tree Sapling Auger Drill Bit Planter

N/A
  • 2 bits
  • 1.6″ and 3″ bits
  • Alloy Steel
  • 16.5 inches long

The Tree sapling Auger Drill Bit is one of the best and cheapest tree planting augers out there. With its’ 16.5 inch long bit, you can whip through tons of holes without using your back too much.

Comes with 2 different sized drill bits, which we love. This let’s you do multiple jobs without having to buy more bits. Saves you money and let’s you get more jobs done. The bits are made with alloy steel coated in paint which is rust and corrosion resistant.

Even with that special coating, always ensure to clean your garden auger thoroughly after use and store it so it doesn’t get damaged.

We love that the bit is pointed which is a big help when starting holes. As with most garden auger bits, it attaches to a 3/8″ or lager chucked drill of 18V or greater power.

Be careful how fast you use this drill, if it gets caught up on rocks or roots it will kick back and hurt your wrist.

The hex engagement where is attaches to the drill is its weak point. It is made of a softer metal and tends to warp and round at the top if using in less than ideal soils.

Pros
Easy to connect and operate
Fast tree sapling planting
Comes with 2 drill bits: 1.6 inch and 3 inch
Cons
Inspect welds on the bit
Not so great in tougher soils
Hex engagement begins to round at the top

Best Tree Planting Auger: How to Choose the Right Auger for You

Features of the Best Tree Planting Auger
-Quality Blades/Steel Construction
-Heat Treated Gears
-Anti Vibration Handles
-Finger Controls
-Versatile Attachments and Multiple Bits Included
-Easy to use
-Big Enough Bits for Your Project
-Good Warranty
-Long Enough Bit

#1. Quality Blades and Steel Construction

The blades of your auger are important because they give you the ability to dig holes. With badly constructed blades, or blades made of low grade steel, they will break immediately after coming in contact with anything under the surface other than soil.

They are also prone to chipping and cracking the more you use them. Some of the highest-quality blades are made from carbon steel or stainless steel, which makes them tough enough to chew through packed dirt without any damage.

You’ll also find that they’ll last longer when maintained for example wiping them down after use to prevent rust.  

#2. Heat-Treated Gears

As augers rely on torque to pry away at the dirt, their gears are put under intense stress by making the bit turn consistently. With heat-treated gears, you won’t have to worry about them burning out and deteriorating quickly when you’re working with heavily packed earth.

#3. Anti-Vibration Handles

This is more of a convenience than a necessity. However, anti-vibration handles make it much more comfortable to operate your auger for an extended period.

You aren’t as likely to experience hand numbness and discomfort. Also, you’ll notice the fatigue in your arms will be substantially less when using a powered auger.

#4. Finger Controls

Having access to all of the buttons and switches to operate your auger at your fingertips is essential. This gives you the ability to easily start the machine as well as to quickly stop it, if necessary.

Most of the top-tier tree planting augers feature easily accessible controls. You’ll want to be able to manage the throttle as well as the power buttons with ease.

#5. Versatile Attachments and Multiple Bits Included

It’s likely you’re going to want to use your tree planting auger for more than gardening/planting task.

Ensure the model you choose enables you to use various attachments that cover all of your chores. Another important part of versatility is the ability to attach third-party bits to the auger instead of sticking to the same brand.

This allows you to shop around the best deal for attachments, even if they’re from another manufacturer.

If you can find a tree planting auger that comes with multiple bits of different sizes included, you’ve hit the jackpot.  You can conquer all your gardening jobs with one purchase.  Makes life simpler and saves you money in the long run.  We call that a win-win.

#6. Easy to Use

Nothing is more frustrating than going to use your tree auger and the instructions are so complex that it takes a bunch of YouTube videos and a few hours to figure out how to use it.  Find an auger that isn’t complicated so you can start digging holes with confidence right away

#7. Big Enough Bits

Double check that the tree planting auger you’re buying comes with big enough blades for your projects.  You don’t want to buy an auger with only 4 inch diameter blade when you’re planting 1-2 gallon trees.  Save yourself the extra effort and get an auger with a big enough bit.

#8. Good Warranty

We recommend buying an auger with a good warranty.  Some of the tree planting augers above are covered by up to 5 year warranties which we believe is excellent.  A good warranty means a good product so take note before making a purchase.

#9. Bit is Long Enough

Make sure that the auger bit is long enough for the projects you plan on completing. You can buy an extension for your auger you decide to purchase, just make sure that it fits the shaft before buying.

Is an Auger Good for Planting Trees?

An auger is the most effective tool to use for planting trees. From saplings to larger trees, you can use an auger to drill fairly large holes for planting 1-2 gallon trees. You will save yourself a ton of time and elbow grease by investing in an auger for planting trees.

Can you Rent a Tree Auger?

Tree auger rentals are available at your local Home Depot or other hardware store, check out the link!

When renting an auger, it’s important to carefully read and understand the rental agreement, including any details about the rental period, cost, and any additional fees that may apply. Be sure to also check the condition of the auger before you rent it and make sure you know how to use it safely and effectively.

Most rental equipment companies will require a deposit and even payment in full before you leave the store. They will also ask for a ID and a credit card. Make sure to ask about the rental company’s policy on maintenance and repairs, in case the equipment breaks down during the rental period and what they will do if it does break down.

But really, for the cost of renting one, you should just grab one of the best augers we discussed above and then you will have it on hand for any drain emergency at any time of the day or night.

Tree Planting Augers: Electric vs. Gas vs. Hand Augers

If you’ve decided you want to purchase a tree planting auger, you’ll need to make the decision between electric, gas, and manual augers. Gas augers are known to have the most power, but they also require the most fuel and are messy to work with. 

You can choose electric models, which has far more advantages than gas. With electric augers, all you have to do is recharge batteries for power and its better for the environment.

Manual tree planting augers are the final choice.  They are rated as the most lightweight option.  Tree planting hang augers are also the best option if you’re on a budget and are the best of the 3 options for the environment.

Pros and Cons of Gas Augers Quick Chart

ProsCons
HorsepowerMixing Fuel
EfficientEmissions
Long LastingPortability
Run TimeHarder Start Up
RefuelingMaintenance

Hand Auger Vs Post Hole Digger

More often than not, you’ll find powered augers used for landscaping projects because they take the time and effort out of digging holes.  This is particularly true if the holes need to be relatively perfect in shape and at very deep depths. An alternative to a powered post hole digger is a hand auger, which you might prefer.

Post Hole DiggerManual
Requires Battery/FuelNo Power Required
HeavierLighter
Not as PortableMore Portable
More ExpensiveCheapest Option
Easy to Drill HolesHarder to Drill Holes
Works in Tough SoilNot so Great in Tough Soil
More MaintenanceLess Maintenance

Pros and Cons Electric Augers Quick Chart

An electric auger is one of the most convenient options for planting trees. Each type of auger has its pros and cons and a few of the most important Pros of an electric auger include:

ProsCons
Zero EmissionsMultiple Batteries Might be Required
Easy MaintenanceBattery Life
Convenient, Portable, LightweightPower
Quick to StartCost

Top Tips for Using an Auger to Plant Trees

We go into an in depth tutorial on how to use an auger to plant trees in our post, please check it out. z

Conclusion

Choosing a tree planting auger should be a breeze now that you’ve read through our expert guide.  Grab yourself the best tree planting auger for you and get planting all those trees today!

FAQs

What is the best gas powered tree planting auger?

DC House Gas Auger