Yes - take some soil samples - your local extension office can instruct you how - and then get your soil analyzed. They will advise you on how to adjust your pH so your plants will thrive. One thing I’ve learned is that most plants thrive on a pH of 5.5 to 7 (5.5 being slightly acidic and 7 being more alkaline). Azaleas and rhodendrons like more acidic soil - so you will want to note what you’re trying to grow.
All plants need adequate oxygen so if the soil is too compacted you may need to amend with pine bark (1/2 inch or so) or some other organic material that can be tilled into the soil. After you mail in your samples (in NC they will do it for you) it takes them about 2 weeks to complete their analysis. If there is anything that you don’t understand in the report the office is more than happy to enlighten you. The folks at our local office love to assist with all manner of questions. They want gardeners to be successful. I was surprised to learn that clay soil is not bad soil. It holds onto nutrients and absorbs water fairly evenly. The greatest issue is that it compacts. You know this is a problem if your tree roots are on the surface of your lawn or garden.
So my answer is contact your local extension and ask them about taking samples and getting your soil analyzed. In NC there is no charge for soil analysis certain times of the year. I don’t know about other states.
Hope this helps.
Bump for later…