The maples I planted in the soil seem to be doing fine (as expected). I can tell you the 36"wide x 21" deep hole yeilded a half wheel barrow full of the stones. I removed most of them from the backfill...but they are still there in the surrounding soil.

Anyhow, do I have to be careful in selecting a tree to adapt to this condition or as people say, "the roots will grow where they want".

I know I can plant Ostrya virginiana as they can adapt to dry gravely soils but the tree is a little boring.

I've considered Cercis canadensis and Carpinus caroliniana as well...but not sure if they will struggle in this condition.

next time you get in the car.. as you CAREFULLY drive around... note all the trees ....

IMHO .. they should NOT give a hoot about the stones ...
in fact most trees prefer high drainage.. and that is what those stones are ...

the only reason to remove them.. would be to make a rock garden type ground cover out of the stones... wouldnt be surprised if there arent peeps paying money for bags of similar type stones ..

ignore them... in my estimate

you didnt mention your base soil type in that area... but i doubt that it matters to your tree selection issues ...

good luck

ken

PS: gotta love that glacial till .... thats how i got my sand ...

Top 4" is the typical top soil
Next 8" is the dry stony soil
Next 10" is straight clay
After that who knows.

Naturalized areas are dominated by Oak, Maple and Hackberry. Home landscapes are dominated by Maple, Crabapple, Ash and Linden.

I think there is a stat that 60% of the decidious trees are Ash and Maple in my area.

i dont see where there will be many trees that cant handle 12 inches of great draining soil on top of that clay .... especially since it is sloped ... i dont see water standing on the side of a hill ...

ken

Your right the drainage is perfect, its even dry where the slope meets the flat area of my neighbors lotline.

I may stick with the Ostrya virginiana afterall.

I came across yoru garden photos BTW, thanks for posting.