Many landscape plants within the first several years after planting, either fail to grow or even die due to excess moisture in the soil root zone. Symptoms of plants suffering excessive soil moisture are small leaves, decreased growth in height, failure of buds to break dormancy and in some instances death. Growth of plants is affected as a result of poor soil aeration (oxygen) which may be brought about by excessive soil moisture, high amounts of clay soil, or heavy compaction of the soil. Any practices which drain away soil moisture, dilute the clay content of soils (such as adding organic matter) or aerating compacted soils will help to alleviate the conditions responsible for poor soil aeration. Some arborists have portable air compressor units which are used to fertilize trees and aerate the soil. Operating under pressure, these units tend to break-up the heavy soil and provide for better air exchange.
For suggestions of trees and shrubs to plant in wet areas, check the end of this sheet.
Following the guidelines outlined below will assist in assuring survival and growth of trees and shrubs that must be planted in less than ideal soil situations.
1. Select a planting site that does not tend to collect and hold water or will be subject to s soil compaction.
2. In the planting operation, provide for tile or surface drainage, especially with trees, large shrubs, and evergreens.
3. Set the plants in the soil several inches higher than grown in original nursery.
4. Plant the raised beds rather than at soil level. Raised beds can be supported by railroad ties or similar materials.
5. When poorly aerated soil conditions exist, select for planting only those plants most
tolerant to moist conditions since trees and shrubs differ in their capability to withstand poor soil aeration.
Trees and shrubs most tolerant of moist areas
Botanical name Common name
TREES:
Acer rubrum Red Maple
Acer saccarinum Silver Maple
Ainus species Alder
Amelanchier species Serviceberry
Betula nigra River Birch
Gleditsia species Honeylocust
Larix decidua European Larch
Liquidambar styraciflua American Sweetgum
Magnolia virginiana Sweetbay Magnolia
Nyssa sylvatic Black Tupelo
Platanus acerifolia London Planetree
Poplar species Poplar
Quercus bicolor Swamp White Oak
Salix species Willow
Taxodium distichum Common Bald Cypress
SHRUBS:
Aesculus parviflora Bottlebrush Buckeye
Aronia species Chokeberry
Cletha species Clethra
Cornus alba sibirica Siberian Dogwood
Cornus amomum Silky Dogwood
Cornus sanguinea Bloodtwig Dogwood
Cornus stolonifera Red Osier Dogwood
Hippophae rhamoides Common Seabuckthom
Ilex glabra Inkberry
Kalmia latifolia Mountain Laurel
Leucothoe catesbaei Drooping Leucothoe
Ligustrum vulgare European Privet
Lindera benzion Spicebush
Myrica pennsylvanica Northern Bayberry
Rhododendron maximum Rosebay Rhododendron
Rhododendron nudiflorum Pinxterbloom Azalea
Rhododendron vaseyi Pinkshell Azalea
Thuja occidentalis Eastern Arborvitae
Vaccinium corymbosum Highbush Blueberry
Viburnum cassinoides Withrod Viburnum
Viburnum dentatum Arrowwood Viburnum
Viburnum lentago Nannyberry Viburnum
Viburnum opulus Euroopean Cranberrybush Viburnum
Viburnum trilobum American Cranberrybush Viburnum
Happy Gardening!
Bloomin Garden Centre & Landscaping
8793 Kenwood Road, Cincinnati OH 45242
Garden Store: 513-891-9035
Landscaping: 513-984-TREE
Fax: 513-891-9276
© MM, Bloomin Garden Centre, All rights Reserved
