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Trees that grow well in clay soil


Best trees for clay soil: 11 varieties for every garden

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Knowing the best trees for clay soil is important if you have heavy, clay soil in your garden. Having this type of soil can be a big challenge when it comes to gardening as it is hard to work and has poor drainage which can prevent many plants from thriving. Clay soil also warms slower than sandy soils – and can be hard for roots to penetrate. 

If you're looking to bring height, structure and year-round interest to your garden ideas then trees are a brilliant addition which will make a lasting feature decades to come and there are plenty of beautiful options available suited to clay soils – we've gathered a selection below with help from some of the experts. 

Best trees for clay soil

Despite these drawbacks, clay soils are often nutrient rich and can be advantageous to certain kinds of plants and trees.

‘Clay soils hold an ample supply of moisture which makes them perfect for some trees and shrubs that require high moisture tables to thrive,’ explains Tammy Sons, CEO of Tennessee Nursery . 

1. Crab apple 

(Image credit: Getty Images / whitemay)

The crab apple or 'Malus' is one of the best trees to grow in clay soils as it offers interest throughout the year – and is also a great pollinator. In spring, this beautiful tree is covered in a profusion of white blossom with green foliage in summer. 

In fall, they bear fruits which are beautifully decorative and can range from glossy red to pink-flushed orange to yellow. Due to its high levels of pectin – most commonly used to thicken jams, jellies, and preserves – the fruits are often used to make Malus ‘Jelly King'.

They are compact trees only growing to a mature height and spread of  around 13ft, so are perfect for smaller gardens. They thrive in full sun with moist soil that is well-drained. 

Fruit trees require a fertile, nutrient rich soil that retains moisture, so they are best matched to heavy clay soils. Whilst some have the tendency to be tricky to work with, clay soils are highly beneficial when it comes to producing thriving fruit trees,' explains Marcus Eyles, horticultural director of Dobbies . 

2. Alder

(Image credit: getty Images / annick vanderschelden photography)

Alder – or Alnus glutinosa – grow vigorously in cool, wet conditions and are often found by rivers and lakes making them a good choice for sites with poor drainage. 

‘In the Pacific Northwest where there is clay soil, we also usually have drainage issues due to all of the rain we get here. A good choice for these types of environments, rain and clay soils, are Alders,’ says Lisa Tadewaldt of Urban Forest Professionals .

‘Two great choices are White Alder Alnus rhombifolia or Red Alder Alnus rubra. The toughness of these trees is really the primary reason to plant them.’

Alders have racquet-shaped, leathery dark green leaves with serrated edges and put on a beautiful display of catkins between February and April. Alders are monoecious so have both male and female catkins on the same tree. The female catkins turn into tiny cones during the fall season. 

3. Sorbus Commixta 

(Image credit: Leonie Lambert / Alamy )

Sorbus, also known as Japanese Rowan trees, are a brilliant choice for fall color due to their ash-like foliage which turns from green to a dazzling array of orange and red.  They also have blossom flowers in spring, and fruit in fall, so therefore offer plenty of ornamental interest throughout the year. 

Growing to around 25-40ft, Sorbus are deciduous trees which are hardy in the UK and can be grown in North America in zones 5-9. They require pruning in the dormant season to create a strong structure to support their fruit. 

4. Birch

(Image credit: Anna Stowe Botanica / Alamy )

Birch trees or betula are beloved for their snowy white peeling bark which makes a beautiful feature during the winter months, as well as their elegant form and attractive foliage which turns from mid-green to yellow in fall.  

‘This tree can grow in a variety of conditions and is tolerant of heavy moisture, meaning it’s ideal for soils with high clay,’ says Marcus Eyles, horticultural director at Dobbies .

Betula utilis jacquemontii or the 'Snow Queen' birch is a slender specimen which will grow to around 22ft tall making it a good choice for small garden ideas. Plus, this specimen requires minimal pruning.

5. Cornus Kousa 

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Also known as Japanese Dogwood, this abundant semi-evergreen tree offers year-round interest with flowers, fruits – and beautiful red leaves in fall. Come June, it features four-petalled creamy white flower bracts which turn pink over time and come fall it bears pink strawberry-like fruits. 

It can be planted in all soils but prefers a position that is moist but well-drained in full sun or part shade. It is suited to growing zones 5-8. 

6. Magnolia x Soulangeana 

(Image credit: Nigel Cattlin / Alamy)

A spring show-stopper, this deciduous tree, also known as the Saucer or Chinese Magnolia, has large tulip-shaped flowers in late spring, these are white with a pink tinge at the base and can be scented. Its obovate leaves are glossy green, but they start of red in spring before turning to yellow in fall. 

The Saucer Magnolia grows to a height of 20ft–30ft tall with a 25ft spread and prefers moist but well-drained soil. In North America it is suitable for growing zones 4-9.  

Heavy pruning can cause shock; remove damaged or overcrowded branches or prune to shape in late summer early fall. 

7. Amelanchier 

(Image credit: Getty Images / Massimiliano Finzi )

Also known as the Snowy Mespilus, or Juneberry tree, the Amelanchier is a good, hardy tree for growing in poor conditions.

‘The amelanchier is a great tree for clay soil and is known for its clusters of white blooms in spring and splendid fall color,’ advises Marcus Eyles, horticultural director at Dobbies . ‘This tree thrives in moist soil so is perfect for planting in heavier, clay soils that take longer to warm up, and will add drama and interest to your garden year-round.’

Offering plenty of interest from season to season, Amelanchier has bronze tinged foliage in spring, turning to green in summer and to orange-red in fall, it also bears a star-shaped flowers in spring followed by berries that ripen in summer and turn from dark red to purple black.  

It can tolerate part shade but will flower best in full sun. Amelanchier needs minimal pruning; damaged and criss-crossing branches can be removed in fall or early spring. It will reach a mature height and spread of 15-25ft.

8. Japanese Red Maple 

(Image credit: Marianne Majerus)

Japanese maples – or acer palmatum – are small deciduous trees that bring magnificent fall color. They make brilliant specimen trees planted singularly and are slow growing, reaching mature heights of 15–25ft with a spread of around 20ft, making them a good choice for your courtyard garden ideas. 

They prefer a sheltered spot – and variegated varieties will need partial shade as full sun can scorch the leaves. They are hardy in Europe and in North America are suited to growing zones 5-8. 

9. Holly

(Image credit: Getty Images/ Danielle D. Hughson)

‘If you’re looking to add a touch of festive greenery to your garden with clay soil, consider trees like the Crataegus, known as the Hawthorn, or the Ilex, more commonly known as the Holly tree,’ suggests Marcus Eyles, horticultural director at Dobbies .  

‘These seasonal trees will add warmth to your winter garden ideas with their ruby red berries, and they are tolerant of heavy moisture, making them ideal for clay soils.’

The glossy evergreen leaves of hollies will bring color year-round; for added interest consider variegated varieties such as 'Golden King' which has an RHS Award of Garden Merit. Another benefit of Hollies is that they are able to tolerate exposed, coastal sites – provided they have ample sun. Size can vary between varieties so be sure to do your research.

10. Cotoneaster

(Image credit: Alamy / Avalon.Red)

Cotoneasters range from ground cover plants to wall or border shrubs through to larger trees with long weeping branches with a dome-like habit such as 'Cotoneaster x Watereri' or 'Cornubia' which can grow to around 18ft. 

Cotoneasters will provide year-round interest and are an excellent choice for wildlife gardens. Their dark leaves are great foil to clusters of white spring blossom which keeps the bees and insects happy, while their copious berries are a good source of food for birds throughout fall and winter. Berries can range in color from yellow through to red and purple. 

One of the advantages of Cotoneaster trees is that they can tolerate any soil type and can be grown in all positions, even in rough, coastal areas. They are fully hardy in Europe and in America and are suited to growing zones 6A-9B. Pruning is not required but they can tolerate harsh pruning if reshaping is needed.

11. Laburnum

(Image credit: Getty Images / Pietro triglia )

Also known as the ‘Golden Chain’ tree due to its beautiful trails of golden yellow flowers, Laburnum is a small deciduous tree that can be grown alone or trained around arbors. 

Fantastically, it is quick growing and low maintenance as it does not require pruning. You can simply tidy it up and remove damaged branches during the dormant period. Laburnums will flower better in full sun but can tolerate some shade and will not do well in the heat or waterlogged soils.  They are hardy in the UK and are suited to USDA planting zones 5-7.

Be area that Laburnum is highly toxic to humans and animal. We recommend that you do not plant this variety near children and pets – and gloves should be worn when handling.

Planting trees in clay soil

When planting trees in clay soil there are some steps you can take in order to help them establish.

'Horbeam, hawthorn and birch are medium to large trees well suited for heavy clay soils. That being said, no newly planted tree will thrive in waterlogged conditions therefore it’s essential to prepare the tree pit carefully,’ says landscape designer Henry Scott of Pehrsson Scott . 

‘Breaking and forking the base of the pit will allow the roots to penetrate the soil and adding a good amount of grit to the base of it will mitigate against water pooling.’

You can also look to improving the soil prior to planting, as Marcus Eyles, horticultural director of Dobbies explains.

‘To get the most out of your clay soil use a peat free mature plant compost (John Innes No. 3) and mulch with Bloomin Amazing, or Dobbies peat-free soil improver. When planting with heavier clay soils add horticultural grit to the base of the planting hole to help open up the soil and improve drainage.'

Pippa is Content Editor on Homes & Gardens online contributing to Period Living and Country Homes & Interiors print issues. A graduate of Art History and formerly Style Editor at Period Living, she is passionate about architecture, creating decorating content, interior styling and writing about craft and historic homes. She enjoys searching out beautiful images and the latest trends to share with the Homes & Gardens audience. A keen gardener, when she’s not writing you’ll find her growing flowers on her village allotment for styling projects.

List of Trees for Wet Clay Soil 2023 [Updated]

Fine substrates are hard to work with in a garden as they don’t have good drainage properties and cannot efficiently circulate nutrients. Krish Dulal, CC BY-SA 3. 0, via Wikimedia Commons

Markedly fine substrates are some of the hardest types of soil to work with in a home garden. Apart from having poor drainage properties, they may be unable to provide an oxygenated environment for the efficient circulation of nutrients. Thus, many sensitive plants may struggle to survive when they are rooted in uniformly packed soil. Anoxia and prolonged water retention are major challenges that usually leave fine substrates bare and seemingly inhospitable to plants.

In wet, clay soil, the likelihood of root decay is heightened as moisture tends to become trapped in the compact particles. While many temperate herbs are unlikely to thrive in these poor conditions, there are some hardy trees that are especially suited to them. With adaptations for remaining anchored and for obtaining atmospheric oxygen, a few of these can even tolerate periodic floods.

The trickiest clay-based soils are those that remain waterlogged due to either their location in a garden or the presence of a permanent source of water. Zones with this type of substrate can be converted into rain gardens or re-conditioned with the help of trees. As tree roots expand and become well-established in the packed soil, they help aerate the substrate and diversify its organic contents.

1) Bald cypress (Taxodium distichum)The bald cypress plays an important role in wetland systems, absorbing floodwaters and providing a nesting & breeding ground for wildlife. Matt Berger / CC BY 4.0

Native to the southeastern US

A remarkably adaptable species, the bald cypress is able to thrive in a wide range of soil types. Its roots can tolerate being partly or fully submerged in water, making it a common species in swampy zones throughout its native range. The horizontal roots of this tree’s shallow root system are equipped with pneumatophores, which are specialized organs for air transport and stability.

Valued for their rot-resistant hardwood, bald cypress trees play extremely important roles in wetland systems. Apart from absorbing floodwaters and stabilizing the substrate, this phenomenal tree serves as nesting and breeding grounds for birds, fish, and amphibians. Its submerged structures, which can take up a spread of about 6 feet (1.8 meters), protect many aquatic animals.

As bald cypress trees are able to grow as tall as 120 feet (36.6 meters), they are often referred to as the “giants” of swamp systems. Their presence can significantly influence ecological structure in permanently wet stands. Hardy to USDA zones 4 – 10, they may struggle to colonize well-draining substrates where other trees may compete with their seedlings for nutrients and space.

2) River birch (Betula nigra)The river birch is a medium-sized tree that is fairly tolerant to acidic soils and excess water. the swamp ass / CC BY 4.0

Native to the eastern US

Also called the black birch or water birch, B. nigra is a fantastic tree for rain gardens and naturally moistened shorelines. Its roots, particularly the segments situated close to the soil surface, are known for being highly absorptive. This heat-tolerant tree is found in swampy areas and floodplains, so it is usually able to thrive in the wet and compact substrates of rain gardens.

The root system of river birch is fairly shallow and expansive. Instead of growing deep into the substrate, it produces thick mats with largely horizontal roots restricted to the top 4 – 8 inches (10 – 20 cm) of soil. Within a single year, the roots of healthy birch trees can double in density. Fortunately, though they may take advantage of cracks in compromised water lines, they are not known for being invasive.

In wet, clay soils, this medium-sized tree is more likely to develop surface roots. It relies on moving water to disperse most of its seeds, which can quickly germinate in muddy substrates. Distinguished by its scaly and furrowed bark, it can grow to about 100 feet (30 meters) tall in optimal conditions. Compared to other hardwood trees within its native range, it is more tolerant of acidic soils and excess water.

3) Black maple (Acer nigrum)Black maples can thrive in a wider range of conditions compared to their close cousin, the sugar maple. Nate Martineau / CC BY 4.0

Native to midwestern to eastern North America

The black maple can be cultivated in sandy to clay-based substrates as its root system is able to adjust its growth pattern to soil type. In moderately wet, clay-based soils, particularly those which are close to streams or located in floodplains, it tends to produce more surface roots. In contrast, specimens in drier substrates may develop a deeper taproot system.

Compared to their close cousin (sugar maple or A. saccharum) with which it is often confused, the black maple is able to thrive in a wider range of environment types. It is distinguished by a furrowed, dark bark and three-lobed leaves, which arise from relatively thick petioles. In fall, the leaves turn into a brilliant shade of yellow-orange, after which they drop from the spectacular canopy.

Mature black maple trees may measure as much as 110 feet (34 meters) tall. They grow best when their roots are provided with consistent and even moisture. They can persist in areas with full sun to partial shade. Like the more common maple trees, this one can likewise be tapped for its distinctly sweet sap. In optimal conditions, it is fairly resistant to pests and diseases.

4) Northern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis)The northern white cedar has a preference for wet soil and its wood is rot-resistant. Reed Nelson / CC BY 4.0

Native to eastern North America

The northern white cedar is a stunning, shade-tolerant, and evergreen member of the cypress family (Cupressaceae). Due to its attractive features and ease of care, it is often cultivated as an ornamental tree in temperate zones. With a trunk growing to a maximum height of just 49 feet (15 meters) tall, it is considered a medium-sized tree. In areas where water and nutrients are scarce, its shoot may develop in a stunted manner.

The root system of northern white cedar is able to expand in moist, clay-based soils due to its naturally shallow nature. Individual roots tend to lengthen in a horizontal manner close to the soil surface, where they are less likely to suffer from anoxic conditions. This type of root system allows this species to colonize sloping areas and rocky cliffs, where water and nutrients may be trapped in crevices. It also helps stabilize the substrate along shorelines.

Due to its preference for wet soil, this tree may be referred to as the swamp white cedar. Its wood is durable and rot-resistant, making it highly prized as a type of lumber for home exteriors. Its highest productivity rates are observed in sites with rich organic content and access to clean streams.

5) Common hackberry (Celtis occidentalis)Common hackberry trees produce edible fruits that are important for small mammals and endemic birds throughout their native range. Tamberly Conway / CC BY 4.0

Native to North America

Although the common hackberry performs best in well-draining substrates, its mature specimens are able to tolerate conditions in gardens with a predominantly clay-based substrate. This is due to the variable nature of its root system. In dry areas, it can develop a strong taproot. In consistently moist areas, it produces a rapidly spreading and shallow root system instead.

If your garden’s substrates are slightly alkaline, you should definitely consider growing this tree. It can easily spread in consistently moist soils with pH levels of 6.0 – 8.0 or slightly higher in zones with full to partial sun exposure. When the roots are exposed to dry substrates, this tree may exhibit stress by dropping a fair amount of its leaves outside of fall or winter.

A long-lived and beneficial hardwood species, the common hackberry can be grown in stands to serve as a natural windbreaker along exposed highways. Its edible fruits are important for small mammals and many endemic birds throughout its native range. It is exceptional as a landscape tree because of its highly-textured bark and heavy canopy.

6) Green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica)Green ash can often be found growing along streambanks and the edges of moist woodland. Dave Richardson / CC BY 4.0

Native to central and eastern North America

Like other ash trees of the Fraxinus genus, green ash favors moist to wet conditions in a wide range of substrate types. As it is frequently found growing along the edges of moist woodlands and along the banks of streams, it is also referred to as water ash. Among its congeners in the US, it has the most widespread distribution and is perhaps the fastest grower.

Green ash often forms mixed stands with other water-loving trees, such as those in the maple and willow families. Due to its rapid growth rate, it can be cultivated as a shade tree. On average, mature specimens may measure up to 80 feet (24 meters) tall and have trunks that are about 24 inches (61 cm) wide. Their compound leaves are composed of leaflets with distinctly serrated margins. Bright green, they become golden-yellow in fall.

Throughout its native range, green ash is an important food source for many animals in riparian zones. Even its fallen leaves can sustain the growth of juvenile fish, amphibians, and other detritivores in freshwater features. As the tree has minimal concentrations of tannins, both its leaves and branches are safer for amphibious herbivores and are less likely to discolor small bodies of water.

7) Red spruce (Picea rubens)In the wild, red spruces are usually found in the swampy areas of wetland forests. Charlie Hohn / CC BY 4.0

Native to eastern North America

A tree that favors moist climates in cool, temperate zones, the red spruce is a perennial conifer with many uses. Though it thrives in well-draining substrates with a primarily sandy or loamy base, it is able to tolerate slightly clay-like and acidic soils. Its roots, which are usually shallow, fibrous, and finely branched, can subsist in low-nutrient conditions.

With wild stands found in the swampy areas of wetland forests, this hardy tree is an ideal choice for areas where other trees may struggle to become established due to excess moisture. It has a high tolerance for shade, so its seedlings can usually survive alongside larger trees. They can serve as an important part of the understory in mature forests because it takes them decades to reach their full size.

Note that, despite this species’ tolerance for wetland conditions, it is formally categorized as a facultative upland tree. This goes to show how hardy it is in the face of various conditions and how versatile it can be as an addition to landscapes with mixed substrates. Highly adaptable in the transitional zones between different biomes, it is an ecologically important species.

8) Northern catalpa (Catalpa speciosa)The northern catalpa is a rapid grower and can tolerate occasional flooding. emerlee / CC BY 4.0

Native to the midwestern US

A showy tree with a knack for developing invasive roots, the northern catalpa favors moist to wet substrates. Able to grow extensively, its roots can rapidly inch toward sources of water, such as swimming pools and sewer lines. In some cases, they may be aggressive enough to infiltrate structures and cause significant damage. For this reason, this species should be planted at least 50 feet (15 meters) away from permanent water features.

As a plant for rain gardens with troublesome substrates, however, northern catalpa may be the right choice. Its tolerance for occasional floods and periodic droughts highlights its hardiness and versatility. It’s all too easy to underestimate this rapid grower! Apart from its capacity to produce new plants from stem fragments, it can spread quickly by self-seeding.

Some interesting attributes of the northern catalpa include large, heart-shaped leaves, a ridged bark, and eye-catching inflorescences of trumpet-shaped blooms. Able to grow practically anywhere throughout its native range, it is a recipient of the RHS Award of Garden Merit. To accentuate its attractive features, make sure to situate it under full sun.

9) Swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor)Despite their preference for moist substrates, swamp white oaks can still survive periods of drought. Jeff Clark / CC BY 4.0

Native to eastern and central North America

The swamp white oak is a medium-sized, lowland tree. Fairly long-lived and hardy, it can persist in a wide range of soil types and moisture levels. The tallest of its kind may measure as much as 95 feet (29 meters) tall and boast lifespans of two centuries or more. Distinguished by a furrowed bark and ovoid foliage, it resembles the white oak (Q. alba).

The swamp white oak is naturally found in moist woodlands alongside other water-loving maple, ash, elm, and oak trees. Its stands may occur along the margins of freshwater bodies, like lakes, ponds, and streams. Although its roots can tolerate occasional exposure to excess moisture, they may suffer under permanently flooded conditions. They can usually survive in heavy or clay-based soils with slightly acidic to slightly alkaline pH levels.

Though they prefer moist substrates, healthy swamp white oak trees may even survive through periodic droughts. Their best features are brought out by full sun exposure and frequent irrigation. As a tree that produces acorns, it is highly important to many birds and mammals. Its acorns drop in fall and may attract wildlife to your garden.

10) Black tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica)The black tupelo has an extensive native range and can be found in a variety of substrates. Mason Heberling / CC BY 4.0

Native to eastern North America and northern Mexico

Commonly called black tupelo, sour gum, or black gum, N. sylvatica has a fairly extensive natural range. While it does have stands in upland areas, it is also found in bottom wetlands and coastal plains. Some of its healthiest specimens are rooted in clay-based and loamy substrates. Those that grow in dry substrates seldom produce large logs.

Often cultivated as an ornamental shade tree in private gardens, the black tupelo grows to a manageable height of about 80 feet (24 meters). Its young trunks tend to appear flaky, whereas its mature trunks are distinctly furrowed. Deciduous, its lustrous and wavy-edged leaves become purple to deep-red in fall. Its clusters of flowers, which attract many pollinators, arise at the tips of lengthy stalks.

In wet areas, the black tupelo usually develops a distinct taproot, from which a swollen trunk arises. The point at which the trunk begins to narrow is usually related to the water level. In permanently flooded habitats, such as deep swamps, the swamp tupelo (N. sylvatica var. biflora) can be quite dominant due to its tolerance for submersion.

What to plant on clay soil

When landscaping and developing a site, we often encounter soil imperfections. The clay composition of the soil leads many gardeners and gardeners to despair and despair. Clay soil is very difficult to work and unsuitable for planting a huge number of plants. The earth has a very dense structure: it does not let water through, it is poorly ventilated, it freezes in winter and does not warm up well in summer. Heavy soil is mostly clay and contains a small amount of sand. If organic matter gets into the soil, then the lack of air does not allow the decomposition process to take place actively. After rains, a hard crust forms on the surface of the clay soil, which blocks the access of oxygen, thus, it gradually dries up and becomes unsuitable for planting.

Clay soil, structure determination

A small test will help you determine the type of soil. A small amount of soil, wet it, and roll a small sausage in your hands. When dry, cracks in the sausage will indicate loamy soil, the absence of cracks will indicate clay soil. The clay type of soil has little or no structure at all. During the rainy season, it is not amenable to processing and loosening. The constant lack of water or its excess negatively affects the growth and development of plants. The acidity of clay soil can be different.

  1. Acidic soil occurs in places where there is very high humidity. In such a place grows sedge, horsetail, plantain.
  2. Nettle and quinoa grow on neutral soil.
  3. Alkaline soil is dense and has a high salt content. Mullein, wormwood, and yarrow often grow on such soil.

Thus, knowing the characteristics of the soil in your area, you can adjust its structure and improve its composition. This is of course a very time-consuming and costly procedure, the result of which will be a stable, high-quality crop and an abundance of crops grown on it.

Fruit trees and berry bushes growing on clay soil

When choosing plantings, be sure to consider what type of clay soil you have. Clay soil is not as hopeless as it might seem at first. With the improvement of the soil structure, it is possible to plant seedlings of some moisture-loving, fruit trees.

  1. Apple, chokeberry, pear, plum, quince, cherry, fig, hawthorn grow well and yield richly on clay soil with good drainage. To do this, the soil from the planting pits is removed and changed to a nutrient soil mixture. Drainage is laid in the planting pits. A special nutrient composition is being prepared, consisting of peat, humus, sand, tree bark and garden soil.
  2. Berry bushes: currants, blackberries, raspberries - can grow and delight with an abundance of harvest when organics are added to clay soil. To create favorable conditions, apply 15 kg of organic fertilizer per square meter. If desired, humus and peat can be added to the topsoil, such a composition is favorable for growing strawberries and strawberries.

Ornamental trees and flower crops that prefer clay soil

Many types of trees love clay soil, plant ornamental plum, viburnum, Norway maple, gray alder, willow, oak. Unpretentious, moisture-loving plants will help make the site more attractive.

Flower crops that grow well in clay soils can bring life to an otherwise unsightly area. Violets, roses, lilies, verge, phloxes grow very well on clay, and with proper fertilization, delightful, abundantly flowering flower beds and flower beds grow. Irises, marigolds, petunias, peonies, geraniums, tradescantia tolerate dense clay soil well. Anemones, coreopsis, forget-me-nots, and hostas thrive in moist, heavy soil.

You may not be limited to planting only this group of plants. Add nutritious soil to clay soil, then it will be possible to grow many exotic, ornamental plants. When planting such plants, rotted humus is added to the planting pits. The structure of the land is improving and it becomes possible to grow barberry, spirea, mock orange, astilbe Arends, pink alcea.

Important! To grow vegetables in clay soil, you need to add 0.5-1 bucket of sand and 0.5 bucket of humus for each square meter when digging. Such soil is suitable for growing cabbages, beets, beans, peas, potatoes, peonies and some varieties of roses.

Improvement of the soil structure with fertilizers

You can not limit yourself to applying fertilizers to the hole, but to carry out a fundamental change in the composition of the soil throughout the clay area. To improve the quality of the soil, it is necessary to carry out a number of preparatory measures.

  1. Level the area, there will be stagnant water in the lowlands and irregularities, make drains or bends.
  2. Before the onset of frost, dig the clay area without breaking large lumps.
  3. In the spring this area needs to be dug up again. Clay soil on the site can only be improved by adding fertilizers. The most commonly used compost, peat, humus, manure. When digging the soil in the spring, add fertilizer and lime. Fertilizer makes the soil loose, and lime will remove acidity. For each square meter, add 1-2 buckets of humus or peat.

When using manure, be careful, fresh manure will not be able to improve the quality of the soil, because the decomposition processes in the clay do not occur, try to apply only well-rotted manure.

If the soil is very heavy and difficult to cultivate, you can add finely crushed brick and crushed bark.

Modifying clay soil with sawdust

Sawdust helps to make clay soil loose and breathable. Sawdust is added when digging up the site at the rate of 1 bucket per square meter. It is better to use sawdust used for bedding for livestock, they will not pull nitrogen out of the soil when they rot. If this is not possible, then take sawdust moistened with a 1.5% urea solution. They will increase the flow of air and will not reduce the fertile qualities of clay soil.

Increasing soil fertility with green manure plants

Green manure plants enrich the soil with nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and loosen the soil. The uniqueness of plants is that they can increase the fertility of a large area without significant costs. When growing green manure in one place for about 3 years, the soil structure improves significantly and becomes suitable for the growth of many vegetable crops. Some plants can be sown for a short time, during this period the soil receives nutrition and breathability.

  1. Alfalfa can be used as a fodder plant. Powerful roots grow to a depth of 3 meters, they loosen the soil and enrich it with phosphorus and nitrogen.
  2. Peas are often planted as a separate planting, or together with potatoes, under trees. Growing peas has a fruitful effect on heavy soil types, the plant saturates the soil with nitrogen, phosphorus and organic matter.
  3. Sweet clover copes well with nematodes and actively accumulates nitrogen in the soil. The quality of the soil after the growth of sweet clover is actively improving.
  4. Buckwheat has a deep, branched root system, growing, it loosens the clay soil and accumulates nitrogen, saturates it with fluorine and calcium.
  5. White mustard has the ability to suppress weeds, and also contributes to the destruction of the wireworm. Mustard roots grow in the ground to a depth of 1 meter. The soil is not only enriched, but also loosened, receives an additional supply of oxygen. Mustard is recommended to be sown on clay soils, a month before planting potatoes. After cutting the green mass, the roots rot in just 10-15 days.
  6. Meadow clover is a good nitrogen enricher. The plant can grow well near trees and around shrubs.

After harvest, rye or phacelia can be sown in the garden. These plants will perfectly cope with loosening the soil, significantly improve its composition.

Clay, heavy soil * not a sentence. Try to use the most suitable way for you to enrich your site with an abundance of ornamental, fruit and vegetable crops. You can choose plants that love clay soils, or you can change the soil structure yourself and make it more fertile and suitable for growing exotic plants. Any site can be transformed and become picturesque!

Woody plants for heavy clay soil

Many crops can be grown on damp, marshy soils. Trees are the hardest to tame. It seems to have taken root, it grows and pleases. But suddenly, for no reason at all, it starts to dry, shed its leaves, and after winter it disappears completely. The reason is that the roots have reached the dead gley layer with stagnant water. Most garden trees will not grow in these conditions, so you can only afford a very limited selection of species.

On soils with short-term waterlogging, where there is no long-term moisture stagnation, and, accordingly, a dead gley layer, many trees and shrubs adapt well. When choosing trees, it is important to correctly assess the ecological features of the breed - frost resistance, shade tolerance, exactingness in soil fertility and acidity.

Coniferous

Deciduous trees

Shrubs

Lianas