Clay Soil Doesn't Kill Plants—Improper Planting Does

Multiple plant failures in clay soil (plum, vine, Japanese maples). Expert: clay drains slowly; native plants tolerate it. Plant high (1+ inch above grade), hole 2x root ball width, amend with ≤1/3 organic matter. Don't over-improve. Maple needs sun for red color. Plants don't want to die—we give wrong conditions.

Follow-Up: Replanting Bare-Root Maple

Lift plant, keep roots in wet newspaper, replant ASAP. Mix manure uniformly in backfill. Root ball top = original soil line. Mound to edge, not over.