We recently removed a bunch of clumping bamboo in our back yard with the intention of replacing it with some peach and fig trees. However, after removing the bamboo, we found the soil underneath was extremely rocky. Two holes have what looks like a solid rock “floor” about 20 inches down. The third hole was almost nothing but compacted limestone and required drills to get through, though the further down the more soil there appears to be. Photos for reference.
Our landscapers said that these growing conditions would be ok for peach and figs, that the roots could either grow horizontally or push their way through the compacted over time. But they’re not exactly fruit tree experts, and I’m not sure if trees would thrive in this environment. I’m considering building some berms to help support growth but I’m not sure if that’s a good long term solution. I don’t really have a
better location for the fruit trees, this would be the ideal spot if not for the soil issues- especially since these spots already have dedicated bubblers.
Any experienced fruit tree growers with advice on whether I should move forward with the planting/ how to make this space work for us? I have a couple of saplings waiting to be planted and would love to get them in the ground this week.
by MILmoneyMILprobs
8 Comments
Pretty common in our area. I would just make larger holes than needed, maybe plant a little high. Top dress with compost every year
You got 20” to play with!? That’s like 15” more than most! You lucked out.
Interesting. Most of what I have to play with is exposed bedrock. /Goesinsane
Give them a raised bed, 6-8inch deep and as wide as you want. There’s no need to dig down. Don’t plant them on the fence line either. Plant very very intentionally too. Most people screw up planting and create years worth of wasted time. The surface roots are vital and they either usually get buried or constantly hit with lawn mowers.
>we found the soil underneath was extremely rocky.
welcome to Central Texas.
Unless you live in the parts of east Austin that are in the blackland prairie soil zone, you likely have limestone bedrock like most of the rest of us. And, on top of that is a thin layer of… for lack of a better work, “soil”.
There are two options:
1. break up some of it to dig down into it
2. build up the soil on top of it
or I guess 3. a little of both
And, FYI, most trees don’t root downward anyway, they root out laterally. And that’s especially true here in central texas.
You’ve got plenty of depth, as others have mentioned ‘more than most’, so trees planted will likely be fine. And if you give them yearly additions of things like fertilizer, compost, and mulch on top, they’re going to thrive.
Good luck.
You need holes about 10 times larger than that. Edit: maybe 20x
Start with a small tree, plant high-possibly even mound plant, and make sure they have lots of sun and water.
Don’t dig circular holes or the roots will circle around and become root bound. Dig a few irregular paths out around the edge for the roots to follow. Fill those irregular paths with quality soil.