Landscaping Ideas to Cover a Septic Riser

Perennial Flowers

• A flower bed will beautify the area and help prevent foot traffic near the septic system. Since most septic risers don't extend more than 24 inches above the ground, many varieties of perennial flowers will provide enough coverage. The coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), which blooms in purple, pink, or white, and has a gold center, is particularly well-suited for the task. The flower grows up to 36 inches tall, thrives in full sun or partial shade, and can tolerate drought. The plant does, however, require soil that drains well.

Annual Flowers

• Cosmos are tall flowers that grow from 36 to 72 inches tall. The plant blooms in pink, red, yellow or white. Cosmos thrive in full sun, but will tolerate partial shade.They need moist soil. Start your Cosmos indoors early, or sow the seeds after frost danger passes. To keep plants shorter, and encourage more blooms, pinch off spent blooms.

  The flowers also come in a perennial variety.

Ornamental Grass

• Several ornamental grasses grow tall enough to hide a septic riser. Most grasses have shallow roots that will not invade pipes and they help control erosion. Use a grass by itself or as a backdrop for flowers. Some grass varieties have silky flowers that last well into winter. Many grasses need moist soil and full sun.

Shrubs

• The roots of some trees and large shrubs will invade pipes. Many small shrubs, however, can effectively hide a septic riser without damaging it. The cranberry cotoneaster grows to 3 feet tall and in early summer produces small pink flowers. The dark green leaves turn purple or red at the end of summer and fall off in winter. Red berries attract birds in the fall. There are also cotoneaster varieties that are evergreens.

Ground Covers

• Although most ground cover plants grow low to the ground, some will spread up against the riser. Ground covers typically need little maintenance. If the septic riser is in the shade, plant Japanese pachysandra. It will form a dense dark green mat along the ground. Small white flowers bloom in early spring. The plants does best in soil that drains well.