Trees for clay soil - Ask Extension
We are looking for two types of trees that will thrive in clay soil.
1. A dwarf tree that provides year round interest - perhaps a dwarf crab apple...
Knowledgebase
Trees for clay soil #873237
Asked June 15, 2024, 2:05 PM EDT
We are looking for two types of trees that will thrive in clay soil.
1. A dwarf tree that provides year round interest - perhaps a dwarf crab apple or other flowering tree.
2. A tree that does not exceed 25-30 feet. We were thinking of a smaller birch but noticed that they can get to 70 feet tall.
We are open to suggestions for trees that will thrive in clay soil. They do not have to be Minnesota native trees. We are in Minneapolis Zone 5a.
Sincerely,
Lynn
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
In our The Best Plants for 30 Tough Sites, the page on Boulevard Trees will give you a few suggestions. Make sure to amend your planting hole with compost worked into the clay and the trees you plant should be planted 'high' with the first real root just barely below the surface of the soil. https://conservancy.umn.edu/items/05290247-4a5f-4bd1-b401-65bf59dc089a