I have an issue to deal with regarding trying to hide my septic tanks with vegetation. They are smack in front of the sight lines from the house. They will be covered by about 12 " of soil. Can I grow perennials on top of the septic tanks with that kind of soil depth or is it better to mulch on top of the tanks? How close to the tanks can I plant shrubs? The drainage is excellent. I imagine it is about the same as planting next to a house foundation.
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Hi again, eva lotta...
Septic tanks are a pain because you never know when you'll need to dig them up for maintenance or whatever. Out-houses do seem to be the lesser of the two options, however.
You might want to berm up some soil to give you more planting depth. Trees are obviously out. Perennials [there I go again] and shallow-rooted shrubs - such as smaller Rhododendrons - should be OK. Don't go for the giants - gunnera, acanthus, rodgersia - there may not be room for their long roots. Bamboo and the mints might cause damage [anything with a rampant root system]. Drought-tolerant fellows may have difficulty as the underground moisture levels may be higher.
Remember where your tank opening is - my Mom has her's right at the edge of her raised deck with planking over it to put plant pots on. Just remember to prepare yourself for a possible "Big Dig". With the proper prep and techniques you should be able to move the shrubs and perennials if necessary.