The most important thing to put under a rock garden is the appropriate soil. The specific soil needed will depend on the type of plants you’re growing as well as the environment you live in. You can also put non-woven or woven fabric under the rocks to add to the garden's structural stability.

The best landscaping for a septic drain field is shallow-rooted grass or native vegetation that helps prevent soil erosion while allowing water to evaporate efficiently. Avoid planting trees, shrubs, or deep-rooted plants near the drain field because the roots can infiltrate pipes and cause blockages. Using mulch or gravel sparingly can also help retain moisture and protect the system without restricting airflow.

If you want to take your tree-planting hobby beyond your outdoor space, here are a few great ways to do it:

• Encourage your neighbors to participate in the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree City USA program, which has a four-step framework that helps communities grow and maintain their own tree cover.

• Support businesses that plant trees. 

• Lobby your local government to plant more trees around your community.

• Donate to a tree-planting charity.

A scattering of leaves won’t pose a problem through the winter, but a thicker layer of leaves may not decompose before the first frost and can instead weigh down your grass and harbor mold or fungi. A thick layer of leaves also cuts off light and air that grass needs to grow. That’s why we suggest removing thick leaf layers within several days if possible. If your lawn goes dormant over the winter and snow has already caught up with you, then remove the leaves in early spring before your grass-growing season starts so your lawn can thrive.