I Just Planted Peach and Apricot Trees.

Question

The soil is like a heavy clay. What can I do to ensure that the roots will be able to penetrate the clay and get nourished when it starts to outgrow the rather large hole I created for the trees with homegrown compost, mulch and the original “dirt”?

Answer 1

You will need to start amending the soil outside the original rootball hole. If you start now, then my the time the roots are fully into growing in that area, the soil will have improved. These articles will help you with starting that process:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/how-to-improve-clay-soil.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/organic/compost-for-organic-gardens.htm

Placing mulch on the soil will also help. As the mulch breaks down, the organic material works its way into the soil and breaks up the clay.