Native Plants
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Smarty Plants Question Topics
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
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| Are 'Ice Blue' Arizona Cypress and Desert Willow safe near a septic system? September 18, 2015 I want to plant a screen to hide driveway/cars on our property line that is close to the septic tank(not septic field) and the septic line running from the house. Would it be safe to plant a Ice Blue ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Wildflowers for an Indiana septic drain field August 29, 2015 We just had to have a septic system replaced due to our state highway consuming some of our front yard along with our original septic. Since this has happened, our lateral lines now lie in our back ya... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Septic Field Recommendations for SW Austin February 09, 2015 What would be good native plants to vegetate septic drip fields in both sun and shade in Southwest Austin. The regulations want plants that are evergreen and shallow rooted. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Does Acacia farnesiana (Huisache) have agressive roots? November 30, 2014 Hello, Do you know if the Huisache tree has an aggressive root system? I have a few in proximity to my septic draining field and I need to know if I should cut them down to prevent clogging of t... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Using bamboo as a filter for odoras from a wastewater treatmen plant in College Station, TX November 16, 2014 My wastewater treatment plant is considering planting bamboo to create a filter for odors between it and the neighborhood. Are there any native plant alternatives that would function as well (if not b... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Desert Willow Roots from Lubbock, TX September 18, 2014 I have a very, very happy Desert Willow that has grown larger than we expected and is probably too close to the house. Do I need to worry about a cracked foundation or pipe problems? Thanks! View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Plants for a Septic Field in NC August 14, 2013 What kinds of low water plants can I plant over a new septic field in North Carolina? The area is part sun so I am concerned about having trouble getting grass started. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Shrubs and trees over septic tank in Killen AL May 20, 2013 Our church has 5year old blue rug juniper, a crape myrtle and two shrubs I can't identify planted over the septic tank which is surrounded with concrete and asphalt. I am afraid these will cause a pr... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Dog wallowing in damp area in garden from Great Bend KS March 20, 2013 I Have a wet area in my back yard that is close to my house. and off my patio there is a water hydrant,gas meter, electrical for my hot tub, my sprinkler valves and pump all there. My dog digs throug... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Bald cypress knees in leachfield from Ventura CA March 20, 2013 Hey, I planted a seedling 20+ years ago which has turned out to be a 40'bald cypress that's now 40'. I'm a native southerner and would hate to cut it down but it's putting up knees in my septic s... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Tree for on top of sewer lines from San Antonio March 16, 2013 I am looking for an evergreen small tree with taproot to plant in a very small front yard near the sidewalk and possibly on top of or nearly on top of sewer lines. Would a Mt. Laurel be the choice? ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Tree roots in sewer from Paragould AR September 30, 2012 I have beautiful pecan trees, an apple in the back yard, a pine on the west side of the house and pecan trees in the front yard. Two trees are interrupting my sewer systems (at least one in the back y... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Wildflower field for sewage leach field from Olga Washington August 01, 2012 I am interested in planting a large native wildflower field at a resort in the San Juan Islands in Washington State. It would be over a sewage leach field for many cabins and bathrooms. Are there any ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Appropriate plants for septic field from Raymore MO September 15, 2011 Is it practical to plant coneflower, garden phlox, etc. on a septic drain field? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Windbreak for Eastern Kansas July 17, 2011 I need to plant a fast growing windbreak near my lateral lines for a septic tank. We obviously can't have anything that would interfere with the laterals but I desperately need a North wind break. ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Can Carolina wild petunia be planted over septic tank in Nokomis FL July 10, 2011 Could you tell me the root depth of the Ruellia caroliniensis/ Carolina wild petunia? Trying to determine if I can plant it over septic tank. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Plants for a septic field in Rogers AR June 13, 2011 I live in Rogers Arkansas (northwest corner of the state). My home sits in a holler. My back and side yard is almost totally lateral lines for a septic system. One section of my yard (it's fenced an... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Native plants for septic field in Austin March 14, 2011 Do you have guidance for west Austin residents regarding landscaping a septic field with native plants? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Plants for aerobic septic system in Houston February 03, 2011 My husband and I would like to plants some trees and shrubs, but we have an aerobic system taking up most of the yard :( Can you recommend any trees that won't hurt that? Also shrubs for our weath... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Wildflowers and grasses for a septic field in Maine November 18, 2010 Mr. Smarty Pants: I want to know the length of root systems for native Maine wildflowers that will be planted over a septic system drain field in Maine. Also any grasses you can think of. This area ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Wildflowers for leach field in Maine October 31, 2010 I am looking for a wildflower mix that would suitable to plant over a leach field. What plants should I look to avoid? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Butterfly plants for area over septic system drainfield July 22, 2010 I live in Michigan and have purchased a house with a septic system. I hate to mow grass AND to waste all that area over the drain field with mere turf. I also enjoy attracting butterflies. what are... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Non-native smoketree for California City, CA June 28, 2010 I was wondering if you could tell me if it would be a good or bad idea to plant a Smoke Tree (most likely European) in the vicinity of a septic tank. We are looking for something which will provide a... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Wildflower garden for a drain field in Olivet MI June 27, 2010 I have a large area that is currently lawn over a drain field. I would like to turn this area into a wild flower garden. Will the wild flower roots, etc. cause any concerns or damages to a drain fie... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Should non-native invasive Wisteria be planted near well and septic system? May 05, 2010 I was told not to plant my Wisteria vine near my septic or well because the root will get into it and cause me many problems. Is this true? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Plants for a septic field on a steep slope in Austin April 09, 2010 My septic field is on a fairly steep slope and is overrun with bermuda grass, native grasses, vines, thistle and other vegetation. What types of wild flower seed can I use on it that will grow on a s... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Tree roots vs. leach field in Heber Springs AR February 03, 2010 We need shade in front of our west facing house; however, our septic system and leach field are there also. What kind of fast growing trees can we plant that won't ruin our septic system? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Raised beds over lateral lines in Solgohachia AR January 02, 2010 I would like to build raised flower beds over my lateral lines. They would be planted with strawberries and perennials. Will this cause any problems with the absorption into the ground or not lettin... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Native plants to replace St. Augustine over septic area November 02, 2009 Hi. We're new to Orlando, FL and need some help with plants that would be suitable to grow over our septic field. It's on the west side of the house, full sun. We live in a subdivision that r... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Plants for a septic system in Poland IN September 22, 2009 Hi, we have a septic system under a large front yard at a newly acquired lake cottage in southern Indiana. The yard is completely unlandscaped. I'm trying to find if there are are any safe trees I ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Native flowers for Door County, Wisconsin September 02, 2009 We recently were required to put in a new septic system on our vacation property in Door County, WI. This left us with a clearing on our wooded lot where the septic field is now located. The installer... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Will a 10-ft. yaupon damage my septic lines in Texas Hill Country? July 18, 2009 A 10 foot yaupon is growing in my Texas hill country septic field. The field pipe is 5 feet below the surface. Should I be concerned about the roots invading the pipes? What would be the best way to r... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Length of root systems for wildflowers over septic system March 29, 2009 Mr. Smarty Pants: I want to know the length of root systems for native Kansas wildflowers that will be planted on a Wisconsin mound septic system, which is a special septic system partially above grou... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Texas mountain laurel roots and septic systems February 12, 2009 I want to plant a Texas Mountain Laurel tree in our RV Resort. The park must approve new plantings, and they are concerned about any root system that might endanger their septic systems or pipes. They... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Grass for septic drainfield in Georgetown TX February 10, 2009 We recently had a new septic drainfield installed. It is raised approximately 2-3 ft above ground level. I would like to plant it with a native grass/grasses that would attract wildlife yet still be a... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Native plants for septic system in Massachusetts February 04, 2009 What native plants can grow on a septic mound safely for the septic system? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Plants that will not clog lateral lines with roots January 25, 2009 We recently had to replace the lateral lines for our septic tank because wisteria roots had clogged the drainpipes. The machinery tore up our front and side yard,and we are trying to get them back int... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Plants for septic fields in Austin November 10, 2008 We are building a house in Austin and the site requires a septic system. I need advice on how to landscape with native plants over the septic fields. The side yard and the front yard will contain the ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Native plants for septic field April 10, 2008 We have a new Septic tank and field and I want to plant native seeds on the field instead of grass. Are there particular packages of seed that I can purchase or what else would you recommend? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Bouteloua dactyloides to cover septic field in Texas June 25, 2007 I need plants that can be seeded or plugged to cover a septic field at a new home on Lake Travis. What about turffalo? Other suggestions? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Native groundcover plants for septic drain field July 02, 2004 I'd like to plant wildflowers over my newly installed septic drain field, but am told they should not have deep root systems. What would you suggest? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
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