How to plant trees in clay soil?

[rosey55]

Hi I work at a school, some staff have planted Lilly Pillys, silver birch and Japanese Maple. The problem is, they planted the new trees in the ground which is gravel and clay. The trees are starting to die off. What should I do?

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @rosey55. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about tree care.

Would you be able to share some images of the trees so our members can better assess their condition and provide their thoughts? Let me know if you need a hand uploading images.

I'm so sorry to hear that your newly planted trees are under stress. It doesn't sound like the best planting conditions, especially if no remedial work was completed around the trees to improve the soil quality.

At a minimum, large holes would need to have been dug around three times the rootball and backfilled with quality soil. Even then, if there is a heavy clay-base, the plant roots would likely be sitting in water. There's not much you can do about that apart from building the soil up and planting the trees into mounds.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[Jason]

Let me also extend a very warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @rosey55.

Unfortunately this seems to be a common challenge. In addition to Mitch's helpful advice, have a look at the advice shared in this discussion: How to plant roses in clay soil?

Jason