a ground breaking device comprises an elongated shaft having a length extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end . the length is no greater than 7 feet and the distal end ends in a point . at least one stepping member extends out from the elongated shaft . the at least one stepping member has a longitudinal length along the shaft that is no more than 1 / 15 of the length of the shaft in the longitudinal direction . the at least one stepping member has a widened step of 1 to 5 inches and the shaft has a diameter between about 0 . 5 ″ and 2 ″.