If you're done weeding with a sore back or bad knees, this 5-star tool is a genius way to tackle weeds this summer (no bending or kneeling required)

If you’re anything like me, you head out into the yard thinking, I’ll just do a quick five minutes of weeding. But 45 minutes later you emerge from the flowerbeds, knees creaking and back cracking. Gardeners have always struggled with joint pain, which is exactly why I’ve become slightly obsessed with long-handled weeding tools.

There’s one model I see on bestseller lists again and again: Grampa’s Weeder, available now via Amazon. Not only does it have a brilliant name, but this heritage tool (that has been around since 1913) has deservedly earned a bit of a cult following. What's more, over 75% of its Amazon reviews are five stars, which is impressive by any standard.

The best part? It’s gloriously simple. No crouching, no twisting, no back-breaking toil. Just a sturdy, clever design that actually works. It’s perfect for tackling dandelions, docks, thistles and other deep-rooted plants. Here, not only is this weeder type explained, but I also take a look at what the reviews have to say.

What are people saying about Grampa's Weeder?

Gardeners love this product, and not just for the nostalgic name. Many say they wish they’d found it sooner to get rid of weeds, especially those dealing with joint pain. And, for under $40, it is a smart investment that will last.

One Amazon reviewer stated that Grampa's Weeder is a 'dummy-proof tool that anyone can use' when dealing with invasive weeds.

Another reviewer, writing in June 2025, commented how impressed they were 'with this simple, yet very effective garden weeding tool,' going on to say that it 'prevents accidental hacking of the plants and flowers you want to keep,' instead targeting problem plants effectively without 'cutting the weeds in half.'

However, one four-star review, recorded in May 2025, stated that whilst 'this tool is very effective for long-term removal of small new growth dandelions with short taproots', it is 'not sufficient for long-term dandelion removal of large, established clumps.'

So, while there is a lot of praise for this product, it might not always be 100% effective in eradicating deep tap-roots, which may require a different approach, such as teasing the soil with a garden fork.

I really like the look of this highly-rated wooden garden fork from Ace Hardware, available via Walmart, which can be used to loosen soil and gently lift problem weeds, too.

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How to use a long-handled weeder

Grampa’s Weeder is an essential gardening tool for those with back or knee pain. It is designed with a long wooden handle that measures 45 inches to prevent any bending over or crouching down.

At the base of this pole, there is a clever claw-like metal head. You position this claw mechanism over the base of the weed, pushing it down into the soil with your foot, then tilt the handle back.

The claws close around the root as you lever it out of the soil (hopefully with the stem and root still intact).

Clean, quick and weirdly satisfying, as it avoids the common weeding mistake of snapping the tap-root. It really is that simple.

FAQs

Can I use Grampa's weeder on compacted soil or lawns?

Yes, although as is the case for all weeding, in my experience at least, moist, reasonably wet soil is best. If the ground is rock-hard or bone dry, as might be the case in warm US hardiness zones, you may want to wait until after a downpour to prevent any snapping of tap-roots, which is far more likely in dry soil.

If you are looking for natural solutions to prevent opportunistic dandelions from germinating in your plot, have you considered growing some native plants to stop weeds?

Think creeping phlox or yarrow, which will, over time, form dense clumps and reduce weed growth. Our guide on North American species has more information and ideas to try out this year.