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
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 the full question and 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 the full question and 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 the full question and 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 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
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |