Root Feeder
I live at the edge of the Mojave dessert in California. The soil is very poor. There is topsoil down to about 6 inches, then a 12 inch layer of "Calichi" (hardpan), then silty soil below that. Water does not penetrate the calichi layer.I have grass planted with a sprinkler system. When the sprinklers go on, the soil becomes saturated quickly because surface water does not penetrate the calichi layer. Trees planted in the lawn do not get enough water. The root feeder is the perfect tool to water trees by getting water below the calichi layer. The root feeder will not by itself penetrate the calichi layer so I first have to prepare a hole by driving a 3/8 reinforcing bar into the ground to get past the calichi layer. I then withdraw the re-bar and insert the root feeder. My one complaint is that the threads conecting the plastic handle to the metal rod are too fine, and as a result, after much use the rod separates from the plastic handle. I solve this problem by wrapping the rod threads with Teflon tape.

In an area that's predominantly clay, and sloped......
I wouldn't have anything else but one of these. I've had one before, and "ex" got it. I want to conserve water when watering my plants, not watch it run down in to the street, and this gives my plants the good watering they need in the "spot" they need it...the roots!