In my experience for mat-forming plants like this fungal infections are really not something to worry about. I've done this many times for sedum spurium and mossy saxifrage, and a few times for saxifraga cuneifolia. The spade method gives chunks that romp away almost immediately. A few bits will die off but I cannot see that being an issue for a mat-former. In many ways the spade method is actually the least invasive approach, as only the roots and stems around the cut area are affected/disturbed. To each their own I suppose.
Fair enough. The climate with me is damp by UK standards so I have to be a bit more cautious. i think the OP's garden is a lot drier so doing this over the summer shouldn't have the same fungal problems that I get. Spatulifolium is never too happy in my garden. The best one I have is growing in very gritty soil in an old colander which is about the best drainage I could give it.
If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
Indeed different experiences @wild edges! I'm in East Anglia with fairly dry summers generally, although the last years I've had plenty of rain mixed in with sunny days. Winter and spring tend to be quite wet, but it drains well enough where I live (clay soil with hints of chalk and gravel). It's nice how garden experiences are sometimes universal, but often tied to a specific climate or even garden. Spatulifolium has been growing well for me at the foot of an acer griseum in a spot that is actually a tad shady (but well drained and the tree sucks up a lot of moisture). To be fair I've never used the spade method on this one, so perhaps I should have tempered my advice.
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