Need a small shade tree for a tough location

After the bulldozers, I have compacted red clay (and concrete pavers) that is now a dog yard with kennels. I would like to plant small shade or summer-flowering trees in this area for temperature control. I don't mind fall leaves, and would prefer summer-flowering just for looks, but don't want something really messy. If I dig down, it will just be a below-ground bucket of water. If I build up, which is the plan, than what happens to the roots when they hit the compacted red clay?

And how much should I build UP? I was thinking a 4'x4'x2'tall "planter" or is that too short? If I go much taller, it's a major construction and not just landscape timbers drilled with rebar in the corners and middle -- which I have done for planters elsewhere with success.

I'm thinking SMALL trees only because of the size of the "planter."

Or am I just whistling in the dark here?

Pretty tall order. You might consider a hawthorn (Crataegus), a sumac (Rhus), or, if you can control unwanted reproduction, a raintree (Koelreuteria). Anyway, dig down, till, and mix the subgrade soil up into the added topsoil to avoid a sharp interface. And welcome to the forum -- I haven't seen you post before!

Guy S.

First post here, not elsewhere in DG -- which I just love!

Surface interface -- got that, only it will be more spade-work than machinery

I was thinking trees or shrubs because of the..... architecture (I think is the word) of trees in this location. But the ultimate goal is shade and safety for the dogs. Maybe I should consider a climber of some sort as an alternative? Or in addition...

OK, so I looked up the three you suggested (and thanks!)

hawthorn (Crataegus) - has thorns. May protect the plant, but will probably not be good for the dogs

Sumac......? That's a WEED around here. I have to mow them down all summer. Now, I'm reconsidering. They are hollow and clump and I know they like the area. OK, thanks for giving me something to think about.

raintree (Koelreuteria). - I like the looks of these. And if I'm not mistaken the town just north of me planted about 100 of these along the main road. Will have to go check those out. I remember that these trees (if they are raintrees) have had some branches come down in REALLY high winds, but nothing too pesky.

Again, thanks for the suggestions. Any more on flowering shrubs?

Some small oaks (Quercus ilicifolia, Q. prinoides) might work for you as well, or perhaps Ironwood (Ostrya) or persimmon (Diospyros). There are other possibilities too -- Bumelia (Sideroxylon) lanuginosa, Celtis tenuifolia, Sapindus, etc. if you can find them.

Guy S.

I've seen Tatarian Maple (Acer tataricum) used in similar situations and they seemed to do OK. I'm not sure about potential for invasiveness, but it is closely related to Amur Maple, which has become notorius.

We have mostly elms and pines in ours . We have 26 runs as I will call them. They are 20 by 40 for each dog and have approx 2 to 3 trees in each.

Lavina
Mt Auburn Kennel-we are fixing to retire but I will miss our dogs we raised Black German Shepherds.