Pulling weeds might seems like a satisfying job when you are removing one or two at a time, but it’s back-breaking work when you have a garden bed or lawn that is overrun with weeds. The solution? A stand-up weed removal tool.
Our Pick: Fiskars 4-Claw Weeder
If you want a standing weeder that has the power to pull out thick-rooted weeds as well as the versatility to remove multiple weeds-per-minute then you want the Fiskars 4-Claw Weeder. Some people will say it’s over-complicated, but in my experience it’s effective, fast, and actually fun to use making it a great resource when the weeds have been winning the battle for your garden.
With a $50 price tag, this unit is expensive, but it works great. It’s fast and effective, struggling with only the biggest weeds and even then many problems come down more to technique then to inability of the tool.
The 4-Claw weeder does, regrettably, have a lot of plastic parts, including some that are moving parts, but if used properly these hold up fine. Also note that the total height is only bout 40″ so this isn’t a particularly tool weeder
Alternative: Fiskers 3-Claw Weeder
If the 4-Claw model is sold out (which happens a lot) you can also find Fiskars’ 3-Claw Weeder for a little less money. This model is a little older, a bit clunkier, and bit less elegant, but it still works.
Note: Prior to the current model there was the “Fiskars Extendable D-handle Stand-up Weeder” which was also 4-claw but that model had issues and is no longer sold. The current, and best, model is the 4-Claw Weeder, model 339950-1001.
No Moving Parts: Grampa’s Weeder
It turns out that the best-selling stand-up weeder is also the simplest. Granpa’s Weeder (not “Grandpa’s”) is a set of steel prongs on a long wooden handle — a design that been almost unchanged in 100 years!
This weeder has a bamboo handle and a standing height of 45″ making it one of the taller models in this article. With no moving parts the design is extremely simple and reliable, but what you miss is the pinching action of the Fiskars weeder, which means the Granpa requires more technique and has a tougher time with weeds that form thick, woody roots. In this case you might need to supplement the weeder with a small shovel of a hori-hori knife.
Other Popular Picks
Here are some alternative picks that are popular with home gardeners.
- Garden Weasel Step and Twist Hand Weeder – $40: A simple, sturdy weeder with only one moving part — a thumb-release plunger that pushes the weed off of the device after it’s removed from the ground. A bit short at 36″.
- Walensee Weed Puller – $30: A 39″ weed puller with with sharp rivet-shaped prongs for loosening roots in tough soil, like clay.
- Radius Garden 205 Pro Stainless Steel Weeder – $65: A long, sharp, super narrow shovel with no moving parts. Simpler than the competition.
- Worth Garden Stand-up Weeder – $30: This is a lot like a cheaper version of the Fiskars, with moving prongs and a plunger for pushing out the weeds. It has a lighter duty build, sharper prongs, and it’s shorter at 34″.