Sometimes winter (cooler temps) can be a great time to dig and/or prep the ground for spring and summer plantings as long as the ground isn't hard but moist.Unfortunately, while digging in your garden you may strike tree roots and/or rocks, MATTOCK to the rescue. Warning: when you run to Lowe's, Home Depot, or Ace Hardware to purchase one. It's HEAVY. And when you handle it the way UK's Monty Don says would be best for women, you will receive a GOOD workout, so be ready, Girls. However, I'd advice you to steer away from using this great tool, if you have a weak back or weak anything. It takes strength to raise it. And you want to put lots of force behind bringing it down. Keep your eyes on the root so you don't miss (the way you'd throw a ball). If you do miss the root, you'll waste energy. And you'll feel it. Whether you're wrestling with large dead dry roots or live roots with smaller offshoots hunks of wood will fly, so wear safety
