For it to work well the ground needs to be wet.The wetter the better.You can cut a small sapling off about 12-18 inches above the ground.Run a dull saw back and forth slowly(make it vibrate)till the worm is COMPLETELY out of the ground.The best areas are where you see worm droppings on top of the ground.Yes,I know this is obvious.The roots from the sapling will vibrate further into the dirt/soil.We call the worms Long Johns.Some of them may be 18 inches long when they are stretched out.Good luck.Hope this helps.