Native Plants
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.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
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.
rate this answer
Monday - March 14, 2011
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Septic Systems
Title: Native plants for septic field in Austin
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Do you have guidance for west Austin residents regarding landscaping a septic field with native plants?ANSWER:
We found a previous answer addressing this exact question so please read that first. They had other considerations, such as turf grass, but the basic plan is still good. The main thing you do not want to do is plant woody plants whose roots will aim straight for the moisture in those lines and do damage. We recommend native herbaceous blooming plants and grasses. The fibrous roots will help to hold soil against erosion but not interfere with the septic lines, and be attrative.
More Septic Systems Questions
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 the full question and 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 the full question and 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 the full question and 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 the full question and 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 the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |