Planting a Crape Myrtle in compacted clay?

[Rickcin]

Originally Posted by marino760

I don't see this mentioned but gypsum helps open up pores in clay soil so the soil drains better. It doesn't happen overnight and needs a few repetitive applications in the hole before you plant the tree but it's worked for me.

I just bought some of the Clay soil admendment with gypsum and add d some into the backfill mix and used it as mulch on the surface as recommended on the bag.

I looks like it's all wood chips but I gave it a shot and hope it helps. It is definitely not expensive and I hope it helps to some degree.

[Rickcin]

Originally Posted by gunslinger256

I have been thinking about this for a while but never got around to trying out my theory. Try this *if you have some time*:

1- dig the hole for planting as deep as you need
2- get some annual rye grass seed and sprinkle them generously in the hole as well as around the hole
3- water enough to get the grass to grow about 6 inches
4- plant the crepe Myrtle (or whatever else) in the hole as usual adding whatever you normally would add

Let the rye grass around the hole die off naturally

explanation: Rye grass is a very deeply rooted grass. it can send roots down very far and once the grass is dead, the roots eventually decompose, leaving small spaces in the clay for water drainage. the smothered grass in the planting hole will add organic matter for the root zone of the crape myrtle.

I'm pretty sure a few seasons of annual ryegrass planting will significantly improve drainage in poor clay soils as well as improve the soil.

I also think that annual rye grass in a lawn can potentially be used to aerate the soil.

Radical thoughts, I know. Who wants to give it a shot? I'm still fighting crabgrass so I'm not ready to put down rye grass seen just yet.

Sounds like a plan that would work however the waiting period would be considerable. It would be easier to rent a tiller and just amend a large area with compost and manure.

[Rickcin]

Originally Posted by PhxBarb

I am in Prescott AZ and not sure what the soil is here. Rocky and hard and sandy in places. I love the CMs and planted two about 8 weeks ago. When the hot weather (90s) started, I saw them both wilt, regardless of how much water I gave them. So, I put the patio umbrella over them to give them some relief from the sun, until they could get started. Now they are both starting to bloom ! I think they just wanted a little shade.

Strange to think they wilt from the sun since they do require full sun.

I would have thought they were dry and needed to be watered !

[silibran]

The new advice for planting trees and shrubs is to plant high. I would think that planting in clay would require that high planting, for sure. You will need that planting hole to drain.

[Rickcin]

I agree, planting high is always a safer bet to guarantee the plant will adapt and thrive.