Best Sod Plugger – Buyer’s Guide

Creating a lush, green lawn requires the right tools, and a sod plugger is one of the most essential pieces of equipment for achieving this goal. Whether you’re repairing bare patches in an existing lawn or starting a new one from scratch, a sod plugger makes it easy to plant and space your sod plugs with precision and ease.

In this post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best sod pluggers available on the market today. We’ll explore the features and benefits of different models, including considerations such as size, material, and adjustability. We’ll also provide some essential tips for choosing the right sod plugger for your needs, including factors such as budget, project scope, and experience level. So whether you’re a homeowner looking to improve your lawn or a professional landscaper in need of a reliable tool, this guide will help you find the perfect sod plugger for your needs and get the job done efficiently and effectively.

1. ProPlugger 5-IN-1 Lawn Tool – The One That Has It All

The ProPlugger 5-IN-1 Lawn Tool is a robust and durable instrument, designed to withstand heavy use without compromising its integrity. Constructed entirely from thick steel, this tool exhibits exceptional strength, particularly evident in its sturdy footpegs, which possess a remarkable resistance to breakage, even under substantial force. This exceptional durability is a significant advantage, distinguishing it as a superior tool in its category. Moreover, the clever stacking mechanism within the main tube allows for the simultaneous transport of a considerable number of plugs, further enhancing its practicality.

The tool’s exterior is encased in a weatherproof plating, characterized by an appealing aesthetic and commendable durability. Our assessment instills confidence that this product can be safely left outdoors without the imminent risk of rusting, ensuring its long-lasting performance. However, it is worth noting that the foam padding on the handles, while providing comfort, may exhibit susceptibility to tearing due to its less secure attachment.

A Versatile and Capable Implement

One notable feature of this model is its adaptability, as it can be easily adjusted to accommodate various depths by employing specifically designed plates that fit over the business end.

The product’s designation as “5-in-1” is derived from its remarkable versatility, capable of fulfilling five primary functions: lawn plugging, bulb planting, border planting, weed removal, and bedding planting. This comprehensive range of applications makes it a truly indispensable tool for professional gardeners and homeowners alike.

The sole significant drawback of this product lies in the size of the plugs it accommodates, which measure 2 and 1/8 inches in diameter. Unfortunately, this dimension proves inadequate for certain specific purposes, limiting its overall suitability in such cases.

2. Yard Butler SP-33 – a Bit Simple

This one is much simpler. The Yard Butler is basically a steel box with serrated edges that is meant to grab one plug at a time. It takes a square plug, and one thing we like is that you can take a big chunk with this tool. There is no mechanism to push the plug out once it is taken, so you have to either pry it out or tap it with a mallet.

This one is a good product overall, but it suffers a little in the durability department. Still, it should be sufficient for most tasks. The business end is only held in place by a single weld, and so it may bend under extreme pressure. Overall, this might not be the best choice for those with a big job to do. Manual removal of the plugs make this one a little slower, but it will still do the job and do it well.

3. Corona LG-3720 – Innovative And Effective

This is a lightweight yet sturdy little tool, and it definitely has some good points. The Corona takes a 3-inch square plug, and can only take one at a time. However, there is a plunger device that allows the plug to be removed easily. No need to pry it, kick it or tap it with a hammer.

The Corona is made of good sturdy steel, although it may look like plastic at first glance. It has soft, comfortable grips that feel good in your hands. The only downside we can see is that this device is made for pretty much one purpose, and that is: transplanting plugs of sod with which to fill grassless areas. That being said, it could easily be adapted to other uses with minimal trouble.

Good Exterior Features

We do have some durability concerns with this product, just because its steel doesn’t seem to be very thick. We have no doubt that it should hold up well for short-term use, but the lack of thick, beefy pieces of steel makes us feel that this product might not hold up so well over the long haul. If you choose this one, make sure it doesn’t get rusty, or it may fail.

Buyer’s Guide

When you begin looking for a new sod plugger, there are certain qualities that you should seek out. As with any product, not all models are created equal. Although this might not be a particularly expensive product, no one wants to waste their money, so let’s examine this list of the things to look for in a good sod plugger.

How to Use a Sod Plugger

Thick, Durable Body

The main body of the product should be made of steel and should be sufficiently thick to make you feel confident that it won’t snap. Remember, any tool is likely to rust a little bit over time, and this means that they can and will eventually fail. This is a product which is meant to bear your weight repeatedly and to stand up to hard outdoor use in general. Keep that in mind when you consider durability.

Weather Coating

Make sure that your sod plugger does not consist of bare steel, as bare steel will rust more quickly and increase the chance of breakage. See this study to get an idea of just how quickly bare steel can turn to rust.

Convenient Size

The size of a sod plugger will vary somewhat, and this may be a factor for you if you are particularly large or small. Getting a tool that you can comfortably use is important, so try to match your height as nearly as possible. The last thing you want is to use a tool that forces you to bend and stoop over or one that forces you to raise your arms awkwardly.

Proper Plug Size And Shape

All of these tools will take a slightly different size of the plug. Consider the ways in which you are likely to use this tool and determine if the plug size is large enough for your needs. You should also consider whether the tool takes a circular plug or a square one. Although it may not make much difference in the end, most people have a preference one way or the other.

Plug Release

One of the choices on our list was judged rather inferior, and its main failing was that it had no easy way to remove the plug. A simple plunger device like that of the Corona would have helped immensely. Make sure that your chosen product has a way to quickly and easily remove the plug of sod.

Depth Of Plugging

If you plan on using your plugger for planting seeds, you should consider the depth to which the tool will normally sink. For many plants, burying the seeds too deep ensures that they will not sprout. As this study shows, planting depth can affect many things. This is why it is best to look for a model with variable planting depth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is clear that the ProPlugger is the best choice on our list, but the Corona isn’t bad either. The Corona lost a few points over durability concerns, but should still be more than sufficient for the average user.

Remember that you should always try to get your money’s worth, and use your sod plugger in as many ways as possible. After all, there are many gardening situations in which a small hole is needed. We hope that this article has been entertaining and informative and that your new tool helps you to create the kind of yard you have always wanted.