I'm guessing here: Should I remove clay soil about 1 foot down and fill with soil amended with sand and organic matter to a height of 8 inches or a foot, keeping the mound low enough so the water doesn't just run off of it? Should I remove more that 1 foot down, say 2 feet? Any suggestions on the amended soil mix?

Thanks much;

Bill

In this case there are two gas meters that need to be read and a building code requirement of 8" of exposed masonry between the finished grade and the wood structure. The existing condition was more like 6" which it continues to be now. It was all done with nothing but rocks and soil.

Yes, there will be vigorous annual pruning.

The mounded soil also provides more air and warmth for the roots

Gerald