Soil core samples and a deep pit test are sometimes done first to determine if a drainage system is necessary. And doing so, I've gotten to know the local soils fairly well. My soil survey maps are extremely well pawed through. It is the non-native grades which cause the most problems - made land, compacted soils, abused land, etc., because here you don't know what you are dealing with without investigating it. I think every property has a buried dump site. And I'll be the one to find it.
When we translocate a tree from a well drained, deep soil condition to a differing soil type is when we can anticipate mitigating the drainage issues. Such as a move from glacio-lacustrine soil or alluvial soil in a fertile valley area to a hilltop with ledge and poorly drained, stony, glacial till soils. Hilltop and hillside meadows are the worst, esp in a rainy year. They never seem to drain. Of course, plant selection becomes very important in these conditions.
When we translocate a tree from a well drained, deep soil condition to a differing soil type is when we can anticipate mitigating the drainage issues. Such as a move from glacio-lacustrine soil or alluvial soil in a fertile valley area to a hilltop with ledge and poorly drained, stony, glacial till soils. Hilltop and hillside meadows are the worst, esp in a rainy year. They never seem to drain. Of course, plant selection becomes very important in these conditions.
