Dry, Heavy Clay, Full Shade, Privacy Screen

Question

Would like a planting suggestion for privacy screen under/between mature white pines. White pines were planted on lot lines 20 yrs. ago — have lost lower branches up to 6-8 ft. Can’t find anything that will tolerate: shade, dry, waterlogged, clay, heavily compacted, and zero organic matter. . . which describes almost all of Pennsylvania. Every tree and shrub I see in the nursery say: ‘moist, well-drained soils with high organic matter, full sun or thereabouts’ and will die just weeks after planting anywhere in Pennsylvania.

Answer 1

Few plants can tolerate compacted clay soil; therefore, your best bet is to amend it. Here is an article that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/how-to-improve-clay-soil.htm

In addition, you might find the following article helpful too: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/xeriscape/xeriscape-landscape-design-ideas-for-clay-soil.htm