Rescuing Shrubs in Heavy Clay on a North-Facing Slope

Rhododendrons, hydrangeas, and yews failing in wet clay need lifted root zones and organic amendment.

Immediate Fix

Dig out shrubs; replant in holes twice the root ball width, backfilled with 50/50 topsoil/compost.
Till compost into surrounding clay (no sand!).
Top-dress annually with 1–2 inches compost.

Sand + clay = concrete. Compost creates pore space without hardening.

Gutters already installed will reduce roof runoff.

Soil Issues: Amending Clay Soil: Mix Compost Thoroughly, Avoid Layering; Improving Clay Soil for Root Vegetables in the Orkney Islands; Improving Clay Soil for a New Garden After Pine Removal; Fixing Sod Laid Over Clay Without Tilling: Short- and Long-Term Solutions; Lightening Heavy Clay Soil Effectively; Amending Clay Fill Soil for Long-Term Garden Health; Why Root Crops Fail: Fixing Soil Imbalance in Garden Boxes; Amending Clay Soil for Perennials and Trees: Compost, Peat, Gypsum, Not Lime; Fixing Heavy Compacted Clay Soil Before Laying Sod in Southern California; Improving Heavy Clay Soil for a New Lawn Without Topsoil

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