A device for removing plants with roots from the soil having spikes attached at the lower end of a shaft and a trigger mechanism located at the upper end. The spikes are shielded by a cover having holes alignable with the spikes. A rod extending down the interior of the shaft is attached to both the cover and the trigger mechanism. When the trigger mechanism is pulled, the rod and cover are pulled upward which exposes the spikes. When the trigger mechanism is released, a spring mechanism pushes the cover over the spikes.