Digging – Gas powered auger

Q: I have knees that no longer feel good after digging holes for shrubbery and trees. Have you ever used a gas-powered auger?

A: If you need to plant more than a half dozen trees or large shrubs, an auger can be a god-send. I used one to plant several Leyland cypress a few years ago and the auger powered through rocks and roots easily. That said, you have to be healthy and strong to use the one-man machine. If a root grabs the auger screw for a moment, the handle will smack your ribs hard.