Search: "Planting trees in Black Gumbo"

Someone was looking for information on planting trees in our "Black Gumbo" soil. I have been wondering about this as well, as many of the native trees listed in the books I read are marked as requiring "good drainage". Good drainage just doesn't happen in heavy clay soils, and in an area as moist as this one, I was concerned that I would be limited in my tree options, so I started asking questions too.

My nurseryman says that trees grow ok in black gumbo if you plant them with the top of the root ball 2-4 inches above the surrounding ground level. He advises digging a hole, putting the tree in it, and filling it back in with the original soil, using what is left to create a mound shaped area around the sides of the root ball. He also says to avoid adding soil amendments below the surrounding ground level. Rather, add any compost and mulch by layering them over the top of the mound, and letting them work their way into the soil gradually. This keeps water from collecting around the roots, and encouraging root rot.

As is plain to anyone who views the natural landscape in this region, and even most of the more established residential subdivisions, it is possible for trees to grow quite happily around here in our local soil---even trees that are supposed to need "good drainage" can grow well if planted on a slope or in a mound, as outlined above.

In any region with unique climate or soil issues, native plants are often the easiest to maintain. Here is a list of native trees that do well in our soil.