Plants We like for the Clay Soils of Carversville Pa.

Like our farm, Highland Hill Farm, Carversville Pa. is located in an eara with lots of clay. We therefore like plants that grow well in clay. Arborvitae, in particular the Green Giant is our favorite. Here is why. The hardiness zone for the Green Giant Arborvitae is from zones 5 to 8. Its evergreen with rapid growth rates that in ideal conditions can be up to 3 feet per year. Site requirements for the green giant is sun to partial shade, moist well drained soil but does well in clay, and needs protection from wind . Its texture is fine with its form conical being narrow to broadly pyramidal, reaching from 50 to 80' in height to 15 to 20 feet in width. The leaf is rich green graceful foliage. It keeps its foliage color in the winter. The Green Giants flowers/fruit are .5" erect female cones. The Green Giant has strong wood, casts dense shade, and has cinnamon red bark when young. Arborvitae do not tolerate salt spray. These arborvitae should outlive even your children.