Soil Preparation in Adelaide: Why Replacing Clay-Rich Soil is Essential for a Healthy Garden

In many Adelaide gardens, the soil contains a high percentage of clay. While clay can hold nutrients, it also retains too much water, causing poor drainage and making it difficult for plant roots to breathe. Over time, this leads to compacted soil, stunted plant growth, and even root rot.

If your garden soil feels sticky when wet and hard as concrete when dry, chances are you have clay-rich soil. For landscaping and gardening success, the best approach is to replace it with high-quality topsoil that has better structure and drainage.

At O’Connell Landscape, we start every landscaping project by assessing your soil type. For clay-heavy areas, we carefully remove the poor-quality soil and replace it with a nutrient-rich blend, ensuring your plants have the best foundation to thrive. This process is especially important before installing lawns, garden beds, or irrigation systems.

By investing in proper soil preparation, you’ll improve water penetration, reduce maintenance, and create the ideal environment for healthy, long-lasting gardens in Adelaide’s climate.