Raised beds are an excellent option when the surrounding soil quality is poor. Many of us have clay-rich soil or bad draining soils. A raised bed allows you to amend the soil to fit he needs of the plant as well as keeping you from pounding the shovel into a block of clay. You can plant trees and other plants in your yard, though you may want to add a soil conditioner and perhaps some fertilizer. Remember, if you are compelled to do some digging, put no more than 50% of the rootball in the ground.
