[Cultcab]

We planted a fan palm last spring and had to pull it out last month because it wasn't healthy. When I pulled it out, I was surprised to see that there was a puddle of water in the hole - the tree had basically been sitting in a pool of water because of poor drainage.

We are getting ready to plant a new fan palm in the same hole and I want to avoid the same issues. The hole is 2 feet deep, but at the bottom of the hole there is clay hardpan. I tried drilling several holes through the hardpan (using a 24" bit that is about an inch wide), but I was never able to clear the hardpan.

What is the best way to proceed to ensure that we have sufficient drainage before planting the our new palm?

 

[joecaption]

Your trying to force a plant to grow in soil it was never intended to grow in.
Time for a plan B.

 

[Cultcab]

I should have mentioned that we had a Crape Myrtle in this same spot and it was very healthy for around 15 years. We also have several Queen Anne palms planted close by (in the same type of soil profile) and they have been doing well for years.

Do I just need auger down another foot or so and then put gravel at the base of the hole? Would an electric jack hammer do the trick? Is gypsum effective in breaking down the clay, or is that more of a long-term solution?