Would You Plant an Apple Tree in This?

[SwampCat]

That hole on left side of this pic - not like it is in the bottoms - on a ridge top 200’ above the bottoms

 

[Mortenson]

Are those big guys oaks? What kind? Your hole looks lower in elevation. It's dropping off that direction. Were you surprised to see the water or not? What's your pyramid? Soil definitely has some color to it. Might be too swampy.

 

[SwampCat]

There is red clay about ten inches down. I have two rows of trees fruit trees to the left of the hole - pears - and lower. Yes, I was surprised to see the water. It has been extremely wet this winter - and we just got a two inch rain this weekend. The oaks in the background are southern red oak

 

[Bill]

I'd plant that sucker. I've got an apple tree that came with the farm planted right next to an old well. It puts on the apples and I know the roots are in that well.

 

[SwampCat]

This hill top will be desert dry come summer.

 

[bigboreblr]

landscapers often put plants on the ground and build up soil around it. You could half bury it and get 5-10 gallons of dirt and make a small mound if you're that worried.

I've had trees around puddles for days come out just fine.

Dont make the soil loose, pack it down some as you put it back. I keep my fingers open and push the soil down with my fingers. The stuff around the roots I make sure its real fine so it can go around the roots. I usually make a small lump and spread the roots around the lump. Cuts down on the air pockets and creates less root damage while compacting it.

When done I wet real good, then pump the top of the soil with my hands. The fine bits of clay seal up the small cavities.

I'd also wait a week or two before covering with mulch. Help it dry out some, but cover it before summer comes.