Every tree has different needs. Some trees require full and direct sunlight, while others can live in shadier places. Some need bountiful space to grow, and others can fit in smaller places. But when it comes to soil, a lot of trees require one common thing: dry soil instead of wet, swampy soil. This is especially true in common Texan tree varieties such as oak, Texas ash, and cedar elms.
Keeping your dirt dry may sound simple in a state with below-average rainfall like Texas. However, if your lawn has poor drainage issues, a single rainstorm can make your yard a bog where trees can’t hope to thrive. That’s where our tips for improving soil drainage in your yard can help.
Add Other Materials To Your Soil
One of the main reasons for soil draining improperly is that it has become compacted. When this occurs, the water has trouble passing through the soil. To prevent compacting, some homeowners add extra materials directly to the soil, such as:
- Compost
- Manure
- Gypsum
- Mulch
- Perlite
- Vermiculite
- Coarse Sand
In many cases, adding the right material to the soil will also improve the soil’s fertility, making conditions even more favorable for growing new trees.
Plant a Rain Garden
Not all plants and trees dislike wet-swampy soil. Some thrive in it, and keeping these plants in your yard is a great way to improve your yard’s soil drainage, paving the way for dry-loving plants. When you’re planning your rain garden, make sure you choose plants that are native to your surrounding area and that thrive in wet conditions. A Texan rain garden may include:
- Black-eyed Susan
- Lavender
- Joe Pye weed
- Wild Indigo
- Fringed Bluestar
- Bee Balm
Some trees even thrive better in wet conditions, such as red maple, eastern cottonwood, and bald cypress. Pairing these trees that prefer dry soil can help.
Install Drainage Tiles
A more man-made solution to poor drainage involves installing a drainage system in your yard, such as a drainage tile. These systems involve pipes and holes that channel water out of your soil into a different spot elsewhere in your yard. Numerous factors influence drain tiles, such as the slope of your yard. Because of this, it’s best to enlist professional help if you want a drain tile.
Preparing your soil is the cornerstone of tending to your trees well. If you think your soil’s drainage may be causing problems for your trees, our Austin, TX, tree care can help you determine whether you need to take evasive action to get excess moisture out of your yard.