Is your soil type Clay?

Two common questions we receive are "I have clay soil, what should I plant" or "I have clay soil, how should I plant my trees"?

Clay soil is common throughout the Midwest region and is known for its fine texture, poor drainage, and tendency to compact easily. While these characteristics can make tree planting more difficult, with the right approach, trees can thrive and contribute greatly to the local landscape and environment.

Choosing the Right Trees
Success begins with selecting tree species that tolerate or thrive in clay soil. These are the tree varieties we carry that are adapted to Midwest conditions and can handle the dense, moisture-retentive nature of clay.

• Bur Oak, Pin Oak, Red Oak, or Swamp White Oak

• White Spruce or Black Hills Spruce

• White Cedar (Arborvitae)

• Red Maple or Silver Maple

• River Birch

• Serviceberry (all varieties)

• Dogwood (all varieties)

• Bald Cypress

• Eastern Redbud

• Black Walnut

• Shagbark Hickory and Bitternut Hickory

• Hackberry

• Black Cherry

• Black Willow

• Ironwood

• Lindens (all varieties)

• Witchhazel

• Cranberrybush

• Tupelo (Black Gum)

• Northern Catalpa

• Dawn Redwood

Site Preparation and Planting Tips
When planting, it's important to dig a wide, shallow hole—2 to 3 times the width of the root ball but no deeper than the root ball itself. Avoid amending the soil heavily with organic matter just in the planting hole, as this can cause water to pool and damage roots. Instead, improve the site gradually over time with mulch and compost on the surface.

Avoid compacting the soil around the roots, and be sure the tree is not planted too deep. Once planted, apply a 2-4 inch layer of mulch around the base (but not against the trunk) to help retain moisture and regulate temperature.

The  Good News
Clay soils handle drought conditions much better than other soil types due to their unique physical and chemical properties.

🌱 Key Reasons Why: 

• Higher Water-Holding Capacity 

-- Clay particles are extremely small and have a high surface area, which allows them to hold onto water much more effectively. 

• Slow Drainage

-- Clay soils drain water slowly due to their fine texture and small pore spaces. 

• Chemical Attraction to Water

-- Clay particles carry a negative electrical charge, which attracts water molecules (which are polar). 

Ongoing Care
Water newly planted trees regularly for the first few years, especially during dry periods. Monitor for signs of poor drainage, such as yellowing leaves or root rot. Over time, the tree’s roots will help break up the clay and improve the soil structure.