Drowning my myrica? - Ask Extension
Hello,
I’ve planted over a dozen myrica in my backyard. I have them set on a drip every 3rd day. It was for 1/2 hour since they are new plantings...
Knowledgebase
Drowning my myrica? #913822
Asked August 12, 2025, 9:52 PM EDT
Hello,
I’ve planted over a dozen myrica in my backyard. I have them set on a drip every 3rd day. It was for 1/2 hour since they are new plantings but I have just turned it down to 15 minutes. There is a lot of dried leaves at the base of several of the plants. Still a lot of new green growth though. One plant in particular looks horrible. I’ve dug it up and the whole is filled with water. It’s been 3 days now & it still hasn’t drained. Yes, I have a lot of clay soil. Not sure what to do to help with drainage?
Thanks,
Susie
Washington County Oregon
Expert Response
Thank you for your question, Susie. Your plants' problem certainly appears to be water, but can also be a light or soil issue. The water may be too little in the pots, and too much in the ground. I suggest getting an inexpensive soil water meter, so you know how much is at the root level. Clay not only prevents water from draining; it also doesn't allow it to reach the root ball. Here is more information on this species: https://depts.washington.edu/propplnt/Plants/Myrica%20californica.htm
Hope this helps. Good luck!
Hope this helps. Good luck!
Thanks. But that doesn’t really answer my question. What is the best way to deal with the water accumulation in the hole so that this doesn’t happen again?
I am unable to tell, just from the photo, what the drainage problem is caused by. There may be a layer of rock just underneath it that keeps it trapped above. Or, there may be a plastic film that a prior owner placed there. Or there may be some concrete that was poured that traps it.
Were there no physical obstruction, you could help the soil become more porous by adding compost (organic matter), https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/ec-1561-improving-garden-soils-organic-matter but the decomposition process can take years. You could also consider building a raised bed above the area, so there is more root space, and the area can drain laterally.
Sorry that we can't help solve a problem without knowing the cause.
Were there no physical obstruction, you could help the soil become more porous by adding compost (organic matter), https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/ec-1561-improving-garden-soils-organic-matter but the decomposition process can take years. You could also consider building a raised bed above the area, so there is more root space, and the area can drain laterally.
Sorry that we can't help solve a problem without knowing the cause.
