Some trees are adapted to clay soil. Planting clay-tolerant trees is a start to growing a garden where the soil dense and dry or waterlogged.
You can improve less-than-ideal soil by adding organic matter—aged compost, manure, and commercial organic planting mix. Organic matter lightens heavy clay soil by separating dense clay particles. Organic matter improves drainage and allows plant roots to breathe.
Trees native to regions where clay soil is dominant are good choices gardens with clay soil.
Trees That Tolerate Clay Soil
| A-F Common Name | Botanical Name | Zones |
| Alder, European | Alnus glutinosa | 3-7 |
| Ash | Fraxinus spp. | 3-9 |
| Aspen | Populus tremuloides | 2-6 |
| Dawn Redwood | Metasequoia | 4-8 |
| Dogwood | Cornus kousa | 4-8 |
| False Cypresses | Chamaecyparis | 5-8 |
| Firs | Abies spp. | 3-7 |
| H-Z Common Name | Botanical Name | Zones |
| Hornbeams | Carpinus spp. | 3-9 |
| Japanese Cedar | Cryptomeria spp. | 6-8 |
| Magnolia | Magnolia spp. | 5-9 |
| Manchurian cherry | Prunus maackii | 4-8 |
| Mountain Ash, European | Sorbus cashmiriana | 3-6 |
| Willows | Salix spp. | 4-9 |
Also of interest:
