Compacted Compost

[Matheous-2]

I have two Kilmarnock Willow trees in containers here in Scotland. Both seem so densely packed on the surface compost that I cannot penetrate with a small hand fork. They are also difficult to water. Can anyone suggest a remedy or error on my part?
I have many, many other containers that don't have this problem, so I don't feel that I over compacted them while planting.....I would like to resolve this before the season finishes. Thanks in advance for any replies or suggestions....

[Chipchopper]

Hi Matheous-2,

Obviously, you don't want to disturb the roots too much, but you could try pushing something like a meat skewer into the compost to assist drainage and aeration.
Placing a dish under the containers and watering from there may also help.

[Matheous-2]

Sounds like a good idea to me!....The containers are fairly large and might prove difficult to find a suitable tray, however I will be vigilant on my next trip to the garden centre...
Thanks for your reply!