This excerpt has been taken from “Tree for the Yard and Garden” by “John Cushnie”. Trees for clay, majority of the roots will develop in the top 12 to 18 inches of soil, though this will vary depending on the type of tree and garden soil. “Tree Removal Berkeley CA” gives you info on such trees.
Some clay soils that are wet in winter become dry, hard, and cracked in summer. Other sites only appear to be wet because the soil surface has been compacted, preventing the water from soaking down through the soil. Breaking the surface crust may solve this problem. Only a proper drainage system will offer a cure for soils that are truly wet or waterlogged all year, although an alternative is to raise the soil above the water table in a mound, allowing the tree to spread its roots above the waterlogged area. Where this isn’t an option you will have to plant trees listed below, which are tolerant of cold, wet, winter soil conditions.
Snowy Service berry
Amelanchier ‘Ballerina’ (4-8)
Deciduous
Height 20ft
Spread 23ft
1. Tolerates partial shade but dislikes an alkaline soil
2. This is my favorite small tree, providing interest for most of the year with leaf color, flowers, and fruit
Betula Nigra (3-9)
River Birch, Black Birch
Deciduous
Height 60ft
Spread 40ft
1. Tolerates exposed sites
2. Dislikes a shallow alkaline soil
3. In the fall, the long, dark green leaves quickly turn to deep yellow, contrasting with the rich brown bark.
Rhamnus Cathartica (3-7)
Common Buck-thorn
Deciduous
Height 20ft
Spread 16ft
1. Dislikes deep shade
2. Clusters of bright red fruit contrast with the golden autumnal foliage unfortunately, birds often eat the display.
Salix Babylonica
Var. pekinensis ‘Tortuosa’ (6-8)
Corkscrew Willow
Deciduous
Height 50ft
Spread 26ft
1. Like a sunny site
2. Prune young plants hard to encourage new growth
3. The young growths, with their manic twists, are loved by flower arrangers
Sorbus Aucuparia (3-6)
Rowan, European Mountain Ash
Deciduous
Height 50ft
Spread 23ft
1. Liked a sunny site
2. Dislikes an alkaline soil
3. The large bunches of orange-red berries may be made into a deep orange-colored, slightly bitter jelly, ideal with pheasant.
Magnolia ‘Wada’s Memory’ (6-8)
Wada’s Memory Magnolia
Deciduous
Height 30ft
Spread 23 ft
1. Likes a humus-rich with a surface mulch
2. Dislikes an alkaline soil
3. Masses of white, sweetly scented flowers appear in late spring, when they are prone to damage from late frosts.
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