Clay soil, what trees will grow?

Joaney · Last edited by Joaney on Thu Oct 11, 2007 4:32 pm; edited 1 time in total

As I am new to gardening can anyone tell me what will grow in very heavy clay soil . I look forward to any advice . p.s. it is a large site so adding grit to soil is not possible.

It is a fairley windy site.

verge · Posted: Thu Oct 11, 2007 12:45 am Post subject:

A small bit more information will help us get a clearer idea of what trees will do well on your site Joaney. Am I right in thinking that the clay soil does not drain very well? Is the site windy? Is it near the sea? Add any more info you can add. Smile

Joaney · Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 6:53 pm Post subject:

It is a windy site. Any ideas on nice trees or plants would be appreciated, thank you.

verge · Posted: Sat Oct 13, 2007 1:49 am Post subject:

Heres a few to get you started Joaney.

Alnus glutinosa (native)
Crataegus monogyna (native)
Populus tremula (native) and other poplars
Salix and most willows (some native)
Fraxinus excelsior (native)
Some of the crabapples.
Acer campestre
Rhus typhina (smallish, shrub-like, will cope with some wind)
Some of the Thujas
Tilia cordata

The natives are shown indepth here on Irish gardeners

On a site with heavy clay I would consider growing all your plants and trees in raised or mounded beds so that water drainage is quicker. To again aid your drainage when planting trees in heavy clay soil, dig the planting hole at least twice as wide as the trees roots. Also mix plenty of grit and rough peat into the planting mix again to aid drainage.
_________________
Q. What is the best soil for growing plants?
A. Your soil.

Joaney · Posted: Fri Oct 19, 2007 9:33 pm Post subject:

Thank you verge. Raised beds will not work as it is a large area. I shall certainly try digging in lots of grit in to a large hole.