Trees for Wet Gardens

There are many trees which will grow successfully in soils which are permanently moist, but few will survive long spells of flooding or waterlogged conditions. But we need trees in wet gardens, because there is nothing like a tree to protect other plants or to change the garden environment so that surface water disappears. Because trees draw water down they both clear surface water and keep sub surface water available for other plants.

Preparation

On soils prone to wet conditions such as heavy clay - improve the soil by incorporating bulky organic matter (compost or manure) or inorganic material such as coarse grit or pea shingle.

Planting

Improve drainage at the base of the planting hole by forking through any compacted soil. Fork through the sides of the planting hole or break down the sides into the planting hole when backfilling. This avoids creating a planting 'bucket' or sump which fills with water. On heavy soils prone to winter wet, protect the finer surface feeding roots by planting trees on a slightly raised mound to improve drainage around the root system.

Trees that work well in wet soils

Weeping willow (Salix) is a tree that many people love. The tranquillity of this tree with its many long, thin branches hanging to the ground in pendulous curtains, ruffled by a gentle breeze, is superb. The willow is very adaptable and thrives in moist soil as well as in its traditional location, beside lakes and rivers.

River Birch (Betula nigra) is another tree that seems to have adapted well to urban and suburban environments. It is also able to hang on through modest droughts.

Other trees and that do well in moist conditions include cornus, sambucus, liquidambar, ash and amelanchier, and populus (poplars).

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