A Long-Handle Trench Digger is used primarily to clean out a trench or make a narrow (4-6 inches wide), shallow trench (5-10 inches deep) for planting certain crops, burying a water line, animal-proofing a fence, etc. There are two types of such tools: the trenching hoe (digging accomplished via hoeing-type action) and the trenching shovel (digging accomplished via shoveling-type action). For both types, the long handle and light weight help minimize bending and reduce back strain; for the hoe type, drawing the soil back toward the user can further protect against back strain.