Hi,

I'm thinking about putting a bunch of bricks down in my backyard to
make a smallish patio area. In the middle of this I was thinking it
would be neat to plant a tree: I think it would look good and it would
provide some shade. In the area where the bricks would go, part of
the "patio" sits over top of a covered gravel drain pit with
perforated big-o drain pipe running through it (water from the garage
gutters drains into this pit). For the tree I was thinking about
using a Maple. My questions a will the drain pit cause a problem
for the tree; will the tree cause a problem with the drain bit; will
the bricks get pushed up because of the roots of the tree.

Any other types of tree that might be good for this idea?

thanks

wrote:
: Hi,

: I'm thinking about putting a bunch of bricks down in my backyard to
: make a smallish patio area. In the middle of this I was thinking it
: would be neat to plant a tree: I think it would look good and it would
: provide some shade. In the area where the bricks would go, part of
: the "patio" sits over top of a covered gravel drain pit with
: perforated big-o drain pipe running through it (water from the garage
: gutters drains into this pit). For the tree I was thinking about
: using a Maple. My questions a will the drain pit cause a problem
: for the tree; will the tree cause a problem with the drain bit; will
: the bricks get pushed up because of the roots of the tree.

: Any other types of tree that might be good for this idea?

Maples are generally very greedy trees when it comes to water and their
roots can eventually block drain pipes. I certainly wouldn't plant a
Norway maple or Red Maple. If you are looking for alternatives, you might
do an online search for trees suitable for planting on septic drainfield
where the concern is similar.

Here's a starting point:
http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/envirohor...7/426-617.html

Cheers!

-- Karen

The Garden Gate http://garden-gate.prairienet.org
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