Wet Sandy Soil

Have any of you done a drainage test on sandy soil. We just dug 3 holes, filled with water and are waiting for them to drain. One didn't fill up at all, and two are slowly, so slowly draining, one of which smell bad. This is a new house and we have a pretty good idea where our septic system is. Our neighbor whose site is lower than ours has horrible problems getting anything to grow because of the high water table.

Assuming I have a high water table with sandy soil, any recommendations on trees - how about river birch and bald cypress? But what about shrubs?

Thanks,

Nancy

Go to the NC State University website. They have wonderful lists of suitable trees and plants for almost every situation.

You nail two trees there. River birch will love it. Cypress will love it too. You need to figure out the wettest areas, good place for river birch and cypress. The dry areas are going to be totally different plants because it sounds like you'll have a lack of water issue with the sandy soil. After a good rain map out your yard, what dries the fastest etc. then start from there when you have a good map.

PS keep the trees away from the septic system. Something like a weeping willow loves water but they'll do a job on your septic system.

You were right on with the suggestion to make a rain map. We didn't that and I've lost some plants to wet feet. Besides the incredible rain we received, we also have a sprinkler system which needs fine tuning. The map may have to wait until the temperature drops - too oppresisive out there.

Thanks,

Nancy