Augers and Dibbles

Both augers and dibbles produce round holes in which seedlings are planted. Usually the hole created by these tools are only slightly larger than the root or container, so they require just a minimum of hand packing around the root system. Both augers and dibbles can be used easily in confined spaces. Power augers may be unwieldy to transport. Rocky, root-filled, hard, or swampy soil conditions may make these tools ineffective.

• Dibbles
• Hand Augers
• Power Augers

Dibbles

Function

Dibbles punch small holes quickly, making them the fastest hand planting tool. They are most effective in relatively loose soil, where the compaction they produce around the hole does not retard root growth. Dibbles are used primarily for planting container seedlings, although they can be used for planting small, bareroot stock. (top)

Description

Dibbles have long, bullet-shaped metal noses that penetrate the soil to create a hole. A round plate or step plate at the top of the nose controls penetration and helps the operator push the tool into hard ground. Dibbles usually require sites that have been cleared before planting, but sometimes scalper blades are bolted onto the dibble so operators can clear forest litter during planting. Sometimes, planting tubes are attached to retractable dibbles, allowing operators to drop a container seedling into the hole without having to bend over.

Standard dibbles come with a variety of nose sizes to accommodate various types of plugs. The dibble shafts may have either T- or D-shaped handles. Some models have screw-in noses that may be quickly exchanged for different sizes of soil plugs or for different planting conditions.

Speed dibbles have noses set at right angles to straight handles. They are swung overhead like a pick. (top)

Operation

Dibbles are thrust, hammered, or swung to penetrate the ground and create a hole slightly larger than a seedling container. When the dibble is removed, the seedling is placed in the cavity by hand. If necessary, operators scrape dirt around the seedling's roots or the container and use their hand or foot to firm the soil.