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Planting a tree in clay soil
micktaylor
Posts: 1
Hi,
I have purchased a semi-mature tree from a local nursery (12' high and the trunk is circa 4" diameter) to provide some much needed screening in my back garden. I have started to dig the hole to put the tree in and after approximately 12" I have hit what I can only describe as light coloured clay containing medium sized round stones. Can anyone offer any advice as to how best to excavate (any tips?!), and also how much deeper than the pot/tub as I assume I will need to replace the clay with compost? As you can no doubt tell, I am no Percy Thrower and would really value some advice.
Thank you in advance
Mick
0
Posts
the soil level should be the same as the level in the pot, so you don't have to dig deeper than it is, clay is fine, once the tree gets its roots into it the tree will be nice and stable. I would however put an inch of gravel under the root ball so its not sat in water.
dig the hole square and just bigger than the root ball (I'd give it 3 to 4 inches between the root ball and the sides of the hole), this stops the tree roots circling and lets them grow into the surrounding soil, for the same reason do not enrich the soil going back in around the root ball too much or the roots won't go looking for food and water and anchor it into the ground.
make sure you stake it well, stake at 45 degrees, tied no further than 1/3 up the tree - remove any other canes or supports as you want it to wave around in the wind and strengthen it trunk.
It's easier to dig out clay with a fork... also a crowbar or groundbreaker pole.
Research agrees with Treehugger re not backfilling with compost. Personally I wouldn't worry about the gravel either. What you can do is after you fill the hole back in with clay, mulch with a good quality compost, which will slowly help enrich the soil (and help prevent it drying out.)
I think it is a tough time to be planting such a large tree. You will need to water it deeply...at least one bucket a week or more if dry.