Myrmecodia wrote:

Can anyone suggest shallow-rooted shrubs or ground cover that would be
suitable for planting over a septic leachfield? Our lot is heavily
wooded, so the leachfield is probably too shady to support a decent
lawn. Prior to recent repairs to the pipes, it had a covering of pine
needles and straggly weeds. Now it is bare clay. The lot is sloped,
so the depth of the pipes ranges from about two to four feet under
ground.

Ideally, I'd like to use native plants (central North Carolina) but
would consider non-invasive exotics. The soil is a fairly well
drained red clay, and the trees surrounding the leachfield are mostly
pines, sweet gum, and tulip poplars.

Would native rhododendrons work, or do they have deep roots? Any
other suggestions?

Skip the shrubs and trees; stick to perennials. There's lots of
lovely shade and semi-shade perennials that would look very
good. A nice display of astilbe, for example, preceeded by
spring bulbs, would be lovely and low-maintenance.

Chris Owens


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