Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Share

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

Friday - September 18, 2015

From: Beecave, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Privacy Screening, Septic Systems
Title: Are 'Ice Blue' Arizona Cypress and Desert Willow safe near a septic system?
Answered by: Joe Marcus

QUESTION:

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 Arizona Cypress 5' from the fence and 8' from the septic tank? It would be on a slope and in rocky limestone soil. I have already planted desert willow(Chilopsis Linearis) about 3-4' away from the tank and line before realizing that it may not be wise. I have no trees growing near the new septic field. Do I need to move the desert willow? New house and a first time septic system owner.

ANSWER:

Privacy is a wonderful thing.  A septic system problem is less wonderful.

Arizona Cypress makes a very nice large screen plant.  Unfortunately, Arizona Cypress (Hesperocyparis arizonica) and all of its cultivars are poor choices for use near septic systems.  Likewise, Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis) is also very prone to invading septic lines and should be moved.

 

More Septic Systems Questions

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 the full question and 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 the full question and 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 the full question and 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 the full question and 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 the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.