46 that create slight serrations 48 where the grooves intersect with the sharp tip edge 50 of the tapered surfaces 44 defining the sharpened edges of the blade during storage it is found convenient to secure the metal rod 20 within outer tubular member 12 against movement and in this regard a through hole 52 may be drilled diametrically through both the outer tubular member 12 and the inner steel rod 20 whereby a pin as at 54 may be inserted during use the pin 54 is removed and the v notch of the blade is positioned over a root to be cut the user will then raise and forcibly lower the outer tubular member 12 relative to the inner steel rod 20 so as to cause the steel plug 22 contained within the upper portion of the outer tubular member to slam against the upper end 24 of the inner tubular member 20 this impact force is delivered to the blade 36 by virtue of its connection to the inner metal rod 20 by the blade support 30 repeated reciprocal strokes will cause the blade to cut through and sever root structures of smaller trees shrubs and bushes thereby facilitating extraction of the tree bush or shrub from the ground the unique design of the blade member 36 with its v shaped notch 42 allows the blade to easily cut through soil the grooves 46 and serrations 48 on the sharpened edge of the cutting blade help to prevent bounce back when a user thrusts the outer tubular member 12.