The invention relates to a device for exerting a compressive force on soil around the root ball of a plant for compacting the soil. The device has a substantially planar head having a pair of arms that are configured to extend over at least a portion of the soil above the root ball of the plant for exerting a compressive force on a portion of the soil. The device also has a handle fixedly attached to the head that is configured to transfer force to the head when a user exerts a compressive force to the handle, thereby compacting soil positioned beneath the head.
