Q.Hard Concrete Like Soil
I would like to plant more trees in my yard (back/front yard), but the soil is absolutely so hard I can’t dig the hole deep enough to plant a very small pot. What suggestions do you have for softening the soil to create a large enough hole, so that the roots can spread? I have asked for landscapers to help, but they have broken two shovels and the augor. They feel it will not help. What do I do?
Sounds like clay. I have it too. There is no easy solution. I find a pick maddox and alot of sweat are your best tools. You need to make the hole much larger than needed. I screen the clay to break it up, then incorporate lots of peat moss. The peat helps lighten the soil. Drainage can often be a problem as well. You could always build raised beds too. I found only a heavy pick maddox or pick axe is the only tool that will get you anywhere trying to dig in clay.
Do your neighbors have this same type of soil? Sounds horrid. Our clay gets like rocks, when dry, but you can still dig a hole, especially with an auger. I would ask a neighbor about their soil - sounds like the person who built your house left some very nasty fill. ?? Is the soil in other areas of your property the same way?
