Trees, Shrubs and Conifers: planting trees in clay soil, 1 by Equilibrium

Equilibrium wrote:
I no longer amend my planting holes. To do so creates that nice bathtub effect mentioned by Scott that tree roots rot in for me in no time flat. When I dig, I set aside that which was removed and use the same material. I do mulch heavily these days and I do make sure the tree is planted 2" - 3" above grade. I am dealing with heavy clay. Since I ceased amending the hole, my mortality rate has gone down dramatically.