Hard Concrete Like Soil

Question

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?

Answer 1

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?

Answer 2

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.