Trees for clay soil
We’ve carefully selected a range of trees spanning a range of different shapes and sizes that will thrive on clay soils. Gardening on heavy clay is very much a two edged sword. On the positive side, it retains moisture well and is very rich in nutrients and minerals. However, it can be sticky, heavy and difficult to work in the winter then bake solid in the summer. Only certain trees with thrive in these conditions. Birch trees love growing on clay with their beautiful snowy white bark and stunning autumnal foliage colours. Cotoneaster trees thrive on clay too, producing small flowers, normally white, followed by masses of autumn berries. Crab apples are another popular choice for clay. These compact, versatile trees are a great alternative to flowering cherries for injecting year-round colour and interest into the garden. They produce uplifting pink, white or deep red star-shaped flowers in spring followed by abundant crops of deep red, purple or golden yellow crab apples in the autumn. They’re self-fertile and make delicious jellies and wine. Finally, Sorbus trees are slender trees producing beautiful clusters of creamy-white flowers in spring followed by a dazzling display of red, white, pink or yellow berries and fabulous autumn foliage colour. The berries are perfect for attracting birds into the garden and can be used to make a jelly as a tangy accompaniment to game dishes.