Best weeding tool

Clear lawns and beds of unwanted growth without resorting to chemicals by using a weeding tool. We’ve found the best designs.

Grampa’s Gardenware Weeder
(Image credit: Grampa’s Gardenware)

A great weeding tool can save effort and your back when you’re removing the plants that invade beds and lawns. It’ll take out the roots as well as the stem and leaves of the plant to enable you to do a thorough job and eliminate the need to use herbicides in your yard. Choose from designs that will let you complete the task in a standing position and those for working low down. We’ve collected the top picks right here. 

Best overall

Fiskars 4-Claw Weeder

(Image credit: Fiskars)

Fiskars 4-claw weeder

Deep action

Take the dandelions, thistles, and other unwanted plants out of your lawn with this easy-to-use weeding tool. Its claws grab the roots to remove them when you step on the foot platform. With a 39-inch shaft, the design eliminates the need to bend down.

Best traditional pick

Grampa’s Gardenware Weeder

(Image credit: Grampa’s Gardenware)

Grampa’s Gardenware weeder

Back-saver

With a design that’s over 100 years old, this weeding tool has proved its effectiveness. Its steel claws grab the weed by the root as you lean the handle to remove the whole plant, and there’s no bending involved. It’s suitable for all soil types and best used after good rain or watering.

Best for close working

CobraHead Original Weeder & Cultivator

(Image credit: CobraHead)

CobraHead Original weeder and cultivator

Recycled plastic handle

If you need to get in between closely spaced plants to take out weeds, check out this weeding tool. The single tine of the design allows access to the invaders without disturbing the good growth. It’s made to be comfortable for left and right-handed use.

Best for keeping track of

GANCHUN Hand Weeder Tool

(Image credit: GANCHUN)

GANCHUN hand weeder tool

Durable design

The bright color on this weeding tool's handle ensures you won’t lose it in the lawn or a bed as you move around the garden, and it can be hung to store out of season, too. It has a one-piece aluminum shaft for strength, and the pointed fork tip makes digging and prying roots less work. The grip is non-slip rubber with a thumb depression for comfortable working.

Best for digging deep

Edward Tools Weeding Tool

(Image credit: Edward Tools)

Edward Tools weeding tool

Rust-proof model

Another of the hand tools in our selection, this weeder has a deep V nose to reach roots way down in the soil. The curved metal base rests on the grass to lever out even tough weeds like dandelions. It’s made from stainless steel and has an attractive solid wood handle that’s cushioned for comfort. 

Best for comfort

Radius Garden Hand Weeder

(Image credit: Radius Garden)

Radius Garden hand weeder

Lightweight tool

Designed to be usable even for those with limited wrist strength, this weeding tool allows a natural hand position for comfort and creates optimal leverage. Ideal for raised vegetable and flower beds, it is made with light-but-strong aluminum. The blade is serrated to penetrate even hard-packed soil.

Our verdict

Why you can trust Gardeningetc Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Swerve the need for chemicals and use a weeding tool that will get rid of the invaders from root to tip. The Fiskars 4-claw weeder is our number one choice. It can be used standing up, so your back won't tire, and its claws grab hold of the offending plants by the roots for simple removal.

If you’re content to kneel or crouch to work, the GANCHUN hand weeder tool is a great option. The pointed fork tip allows for digging and prying weeds at the root, and it offers a non-slip grip.  If easy access to vegetable and flower beds is paramount, take a look at the CobraHead Original weeder and cultivator, which has a single tine for great access to weeds and swift removal.

Sarah Warwick
Freelance writer

Sarah is a freelance journalist and editor writing for websites, national newspapers, and magazines. She’s spent most of her journalistic career specialising in homes and gardens and loves investigating the benefits, costs and practicalities of home improvement. It's no big surprise that she likes to put what she writes about into practice, and is a serial house revamper.