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Black soil advice

Emma915Emma915 Posts: 95
edited March 2018 in Problem solving
Hi All

I'm digging some holes in my borders in preparation for some trees being delivered this week.  One hole was dug approximately 60cm down and I found expected reddy/brown clay soil.  Many meters down the border I dug the same depth, found no clay but black charcoal looking soil.  Does anyone know what this is and if suitable for planting a tree in?  I'm not sure how far across/deep it goes and don't want to disturb the rest of the border if I can help it.
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  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Hi Emma ... can you post some photos of the soil please  :)

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Emma915Emma915 Posts: 95
    This is the soil with black particles 
  • Emma915Emma915 Posts: 95
    This is the soil with more clay at base (old compost also mixed in) I think




  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    It looks to me as if there's been some coal or coke stored in the area, or maybe some ashes/clinker from a stove spread on the soil, perhaps for a path, as was common some years ago.  I don't think it'll prove to be a problem for your trees ...  certainly I'd go ahead and plant without any worry.  :)

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Emma915Emma915 Posts: 95
    Thank you. I really appreciate it :-)
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Our pleasure Emma  :)  what sort of trees are you planting? 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Emma915Emma915 Posts: 95
    edited March 2018
    Birch - Silver and Himalyan: latter for the front garden which I haven't dug yet - it was easier to dig than I thought. 

    Two trees needed to be removed due to end of cycle a month ago and in view of next door possibly building new dwelling I want to get a tree or two into the borders asap.  :smiley:
  • Emma915Emma915 Posts: 95
    Birch - Silver and Himalyan: latter for the front garden which I haven't dug yet - it was easier to dig than I thought. 

    Two trees needed to be removed due to end of cycle a month ago and in view of next door possibly building new dwelling I want to get a tree or two into the borders asap.  :smiley:
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Lovely trees ... enjoy  :)

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Emma915Emma915 Posts: 95
    Apart from digging a square hole, using mycorrhizal fungi, adding a stake facing into the prevailing wind, putting crown level with the ground, backfilling with soil from the original hole and mulching, is there anything else I need to do or does anyone have any good video tutorials for planting birch trees?
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