7 Fruit Trees That Can Flourish in Clay Soil, According to Gardening Experts Clay soil is no problem for these varieties. Close Credit: Getty Images When it comes to gardening, the type of soil you have can significantly impact the health and productivity of your plants. Many gardeners are hesitant to work with clay soil, often thinking it is unsuitable for growing fruit trees because it can be slow-draining. However, after amending the soil with leaf mold or compost to improve drainage and enhance nutrient levels, clay soil can create a thriving environment for various fruit trees. Here, fruit tree experts share the best fruit trees that can thrive in this unique soil type. Holly Simpson Baldwin, co-owner of The Farm Between, a nursery and farm stand in Jeffersonville, Vermont, specializing in fruit trees, pollinators, and native plants Blake Cothron, owner of mail-order resilient plant nursery Peaceful Heritage Nursery LLC in Kentucky 21 Plants That Improve Soil Quality and Make Your Whole Garden Thrive 01 of 07 Liberty Apple Credit: The Farm Between The Liberty apple tree (Malus domestica 'Liberty') is known for its high disease resistance, including fire blight, scab, cedar apple rust, and powdery mildew, says Holly Simpson Baldwin, co-owner of The Farm Between, adding that this variety is an ideal choice for beginner fruit growers. "The Liberty apple is adaptable to various soil types, including clay soils, due to its resistance to disease," she says. Its flavor profile is a pleasing blend of sweetness and tartness. It's excellent for eating fresh, cooking, and making sweet cider, and typically ripens in mid-to-late September. Zones: 4 to 8Size: 10 to 15 feet tall x 8 to 12 feet wideCare requirements: Full sun; soil rich in organic matter; adaptable to various soil types 02 of 07 Red Mulberry Credit: Getty Images With blackberry-like fruits that ripen from red to dark purple, red mulberry (Morus rubra) is attractive and tasty. "Red mulberry is notorious for being hardy and resilient," says Simpson Baldwin. If the soil is not compacted and organic matter like compost is added, its deep roots can access available nutrients and flourish in clay soil. Red Mulberry can be made into jam, jelly, or eaten fresh and tastes similar to wild blackberry or grape. Baldwin notes that the fruit is enjoyed by humans as well as birds and other wildlife. Zones: 4 to 8Size: 30 to 60 feet tall x 25 to 50 feet wideCare requirements: Full sun; soil rich in organic matter; adaptable to various soil types 03 of 07 Toka Plum Credit: Holly Simpson Baldwin Also known as the Bubblegum plum, Simpson Baldwin notes that Toka plum (Prunus salicina 'Toka') is a sweet, red-skinned plum with yellow flesh that ripens in August. "Plums can be grown in a variety of soils, provided there is good drainage, including clay soil," she says. Adding organic matter, such as compost and perlite, can enhance drainage and improve the aeration of clay soil. Because clay soil retains water, this can help with root development in the early years and also help during fruiting. Zones: 3 to 8 Size: 15 to 20 tall x 15 to 20 feet wide Care requirements: Full sun; soil rich in organic matter; tolerates a range of soil types 04 of 07 Summercrisp Pear Credit: Getty Images Pears are generally more tolerant of heavy soils and thrive in moister environments, especially during the fruiting season, says Baldwin. The Summercrisp variety (Pyrus communis 'Summercrisp') is known for being easy to grow, as it adapts well to heavy soils and is resistant to diseases, especially fire blight. This European pear is a prolific producer and typically ripens from mid to late August. Its crisp texture makes it ideal for eating fresh or baking and preserving. Zones: 4 to 8Size: 15 to 20 feet tall x 10 to 20 feet wideCare requirements: Full sun; soil rich in organic matter; adaptable to various soil types 05 of 07 Pawpaw Credit: Peaceful Heritage Nursery Pawpaws (Asimina triloba) are resilient, native fruit trees in North America that thrive in woodsy clay soils, or even heavy clay, as long as the soil is well-drained and not swampy, says Blake Cothron, owner of Peaceful Heritage Nursery LLC. Cothron notes that Papaws thrive in clay-based soil with ample organic matter, full sunlight, and excellent drainage. Cothron recommends growing the Sri Gold variety for its thick, custardy flesh, sweet tropical flavor, and reduced seed size. The fruit ripens towards the end of pawpaw season. Zones: 5 to 8Size: 15 to 20 feet tall x 15 to 20 feet wideCare requirements: full sun to partial shade; well-draining soil rich in organic matter; adaptable to various soil types. 06 of 07 Figs Credit: Getty / Philary Figs (Ficus carica) are resilient and highly adaptable. "Clay soil is no obstacle to their spreading, extensive root system, which grows rapidly provided there is plenty of moisture and excellent soil drainage, as well as strong sunlight," says Cothron. While figs are not picky about clay, they dislike a soil pH below 5, growing best in soils with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. "Every summer here at the farm around mid-August, we're blessed with an abundance of Chicago Hardy figs with rich, red strawberry pulp and silky dark purple skin." With some protection in zones 5 to 7, they can still be productive where other figs are not. Zones: 5 to 10Size: 10 to 15 feet tall x 9 to 12 feet wideCare requirements: Full sun; well-drained soil rich in organic matter; adaptable to various soil types. 07 of 07 Elderberry Credit: Peaceful Heritage Nursery Elderberries (Sambucus canadensis) grow abundantly in clay soil. "Their tenacious root system grows fast in clay soil without issue, and they fruit rapidly after planting," Cothron says. While some species grow into trees, Cothron notes that shrub forms also exist. Selected in the wilds of Missouri, Cothron prefers 'Bob Gordon' for its abundance of shockingly large berries compared to average wild berries. “Every July, we harvest the abundant down-turned berry clusters (a feature that dissuades birds), which we then primarily process for teas, syrups, and tinctures," he says. The large, fragrant flower clusters in June are also a delightful feature of this tree. Zones: 3 to 9Size: 6 to 8 feet tall x 6 to 8 feet wideCare requirements: Full sun to partial shade; well-drained soil rich in organic matter; adaptable to various soil types Explore more: Garden