Expanded shale is actually a pretty solid option for clay-heavy, flat lots. I’ve used it on a couple of projects where drainage was a nightmare, and it did help loosen things up without the compaction issues you sometimes get with sand. Sand can bind with clay and make things worse if you’re not careful. Gravel’s always tricky—like you said, it can just trap water if there’s nowhere for it to go. I’d lean toward expanded shale over sand, especially if you’re aiming for long-term soil health.
I’ve used it on a couple of projects where drainage was a nightmare, and it did help loosen things up without the compaction issues you sometimes get with sand. Sand can bind with clay and make t...
I’ve had similar luck with expanded shale, especially when dealing with stubborn clay. It’s not a miracle fix, but it does break things up and helps roots breathe. I’d just add that amending with compost alongside the shale can really boost long-term results. Sand, like you mentioned, is a gamble—sometimes it just makes a brick out of your yard. Gravel’s only worked for me where there’s a clear exit for water, otherwise it’s just a soggy mess.
I’ve always wondered if anyone’s tried mixing in biochar with expanded shale for clay-heavy spots. I’ve seen it used in a few landscape projects and the texture seemed promising, but I’m not sure about long-term results. Does it actually help with drainage, or just add more variables?
I’ve always wondered if anyone’s tried mixing in biochar with expanded shale for clay-heavy spots. I’ve seen it used in a few landscape projects and the texture seemed promising, but I’m not sure about long-term results. Does it actually help with drainage, or just add more variables?
- Mixed both into a few test plots last year. Clay soil here is brutal.
- Expanded shale definitely helps break up compaction, but biochar’s more about soil health than drainage.
- Together, they improved infiltration a bit, but not a miracle fix. Still needed to grade for runoff.
- Long-term, biochar holds nutrients, but it doesn’t replace proper drainage planning.
- If you’re after pure drainage, expanded shale does more heavy lifting. Biochar’s a bonus, not a solution.
Honestly, I’ve tried a similar mix—biochar and expanded shale—when prepping a pad for a shed on my lot. The shale definitely opened up the clay, but drainage was still an issue until I reworked the slope. Biochar seemed to help with plant growth later, but didn’t really move the needle on water movement. If you’re fighting standing water, grading and maybe even a French drain will get you further than any soil amendment alone. The mix is nice for roots, but it’s not a silver bullet for drainage.
