Can someone help me understand alkaline vs acid soil types? We have clay in Edmonton, and in our yard (of course) there is a layer of top soil on top of it.

1. Is a city yard likely to have both alkaline and acid soil in different places? 2. Is a laurel leaf willow going to be so sensitive to this that I should get the soil tested before buying one?

Thanks,

Karen

While it is possible for a yard to have varying pH levels, it is unlikely to have widely varying levels. Your added soil on top could have a different pH but, as worms etc. mix the two layers over time, the pH would tend to move to the prevailing pH of the underlying soil. Laurel Leaf Willow in my references is shown as tolerant of both mildy acidic and mildly alkaline soil so pH is likely to be less of an issue than the fact that it likes wet soil - is your soil wet?

However, it is always useful to know what your soil pH is so it wouldn't hurt to have it tested anyway....

Thanks Susan. The area is not overly wet - but the trees are cheap: $10 for a 5ft tree. Maybe I should be rethinking using them there.

Thanks again.

Karen

I agree with Susan and would not be too concerned about the WET part as long as normal moisture is avaiable.