We are nearing the end of winter. You may be thinking of adding a tree or shrub to your landscape. Besides researching what plant you should consider; you may want to consider site selection. Especially if you are replacing a plant that died. The “Why” behind why plants die can be related to site selection.
An NOW is the time to go out in your yard and dig a hole. Soil Percolation Rates and Percolation Tests can help guide you planting decisions.
Three years ago, I decided to plant some Christmas Trees on what was previously a Soybean Field. After taking a soil test, I learned the ph was between 7.6 and 7.8. This is higher than is preferred to most evergreens.
A guide to soil testing: https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-1132
I also had an excavator install swales between fields.
Our local Soil and Water Conservation District completed a Web Soil Survey for the site.
One part of this survey indicated whether the site was appropriate for a basement or septic system. On both accounts, the site had limitations, indicating poor drainage.
Some soils prohibit the installation of septic systems:
The Ohio Department of Health regulates sewage treatment systems across the state, including small flow on-site sewage treatment systems. Often these systems use the soil to treat sewage. An accurate soil evaluation is critical information to determine sewage treatment system design options for a property. The Ohio Department of Health maintains a list of soil scientists with the knowledge and experience to review of site and soil conditions.
https://agri.ohio.gov/divisions/soil-and-water-conservation/resources/soil_science
I’ve learned a lot over the past 3 years. And killed a number of seedlings. Why??
Two words are appropriate species tolerant of wet sites and which species hate “Wet Feet!”
The two evergreen species that seem to be more tolerant of moist soils are White Pine and Norway Spruce.
That’s not standing water. The species that hate having wet feet is Concolor (White) Fir.
But over the past plantings, trees tend to die in the same place.
Which brings me to the point of this article – Site Selection and Drainage.
Why do plants die when subjected to standing water.
Roots need both Air and Water to grow and survive. Standing water can be harmful to plants in a number of ways:
Lack of air (standing water) can kill roots outright.
Pathogens, like Phytophthora and survive and thrive in wet soil and can infect roots.
Also, some deciduous trees including dogwood and redbud, when planted in waterlogged soil give off ethanol which can attract ambrosia beetle which can harm and kill the tree.
How can I tell if the place I want to plant has good drainage? It is as simple as digging a hole.
Observe after a rain how long it takes for the hole that is full of standing water takes to drain. If you return a day later, and the water is still there, pick another site.
Or choose a different plant.
Most plants will not tolerate standing water. Several exceptions are Bald Cypress and Swamp White Oak. These may tolerate longer wet periods than other trees.
One shrub that can tolerate wet soil is Buttonbush.
But most plants will be unhappy in a wet site. And their future is questionable.
So as winter ends, and you have nothing to do? Go dig a hole and wait for a rain. At least it is a garden related activity.
Unless you have apple trees or grapes, then you have plenty to do.
A guide to pruning apple trees, peach trees, and small fruit can be found here:
https://southcenters.osu.edu/horticulture/fruits/training-videos
In that case, you have plenty to keep you busy!