I have lost several 2-3 year old grafts due to poor draining soil conditions. I am sure that I am not the only one with poor soil or even the worst condions and was wondering what others have done to get around such problems? I love variageted Japanese Maples, but I can't keep droping good money only to lose these trees after a year. Any suggestions would be VERY much appreicated.
Jerry, The best way to deal with clay soil is to plant your maple on top of the ground. You can break up the soil surface and mix in pine bark or other organic matter. Smooth the surface and take your new maple out of it's container and set it on top of the ground. Now build up the area around the new maple to a radius large enough to handle the roots for a few years with a mixture of composted pine bark, sand, and some of your clay soil. You have planted the tree in a raised bed that will drain well rather than a clay bowl that holds water. It's also easier than digging a hole in hard clay. Dale
Hi, Did a google (ain't google great?) and found these pages on planting trees in clay soil: http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/Garden/07417.html http://www.extension.umn.edu/projects/yardandgarden/ygbriefs/h408claysoil.html http://www.bachmans.com/retail/tipsheets/soils/PlantingTreeClaySoil.cfm http://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheets/HGIC1001.htm http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/trees/430-295/430-295.html There are more but I think that should cover it. FWIW, here in Los Angeles we have nothing but clay soil. When observing gardens that don't have raised beds trees (including Japanese maples) and shrubs are planted in heavily amended soil. It would also help if you could grade the area you're planting in to be sloping to aid drainage. You can also try stuff like Lilly Miller's Clay Buster, gypsum, humic acid, etc. Hope this helps, Layne
Hi Jerry, Just today I was thinking of your problem and thought about a recent discussion on "Turface". Someone uses it for potting bonsai. It's calcified clay (clay that's fired to a very high temp.) that degrades very slowly. It's main use is for sports fields like baseball. I'm thinking you could probably use that at the bottom of your planting hole to help drainage. Just a thought, Layne
