clay soil privacy hedges/shrubs all die

by susan
(collinsville, OK, USA)

in OK, we tried a dozen of Emerald Green Aborvitaes- they all died- took them back to Lowes- they had a 1 yr warranty- got them all replaced- added bagged garden soil and compost to each planting hole, 2x size of pots- replanted them all- they all died again. we gave up. The lot we have is heavy clay and rock. You can only amend the soil so far down, the clay does not drain well, so when it rains, the water is pooled for couple of days before it dries out, then it dries rock hard. This north side of lot has 3 small poplar trees, and more poplars along back property line on east side. 1 by 1 we have lost the smaller of these as well, only larger poplars remain. (these were already planted by previous owner) I am trying to plant anything that will serve as a windbreak, its very windy there, and tall enough to be privacy hedge as well. I'm about ready to build a stone wall LOL, but would rather see some pretty greenery and wish upon wish flowers too.