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You should exercise care when deciding how to landscape over a leach field for your septic system. You typically want lightweight materials that won’t damage the drain field’s perforated pipes. When adding plants to the area, select plants with shallow roots, such as grass or flower gardens. Trees with deep roots could damage the pipes in the field.

As much as you might try to keep a healthy, nutrient-rich lawn, you still may notice signs of St. Augustine decline (SAD)—a viral disease that discolors your grass blades. St. Augustine decline looks like:

• Discoloration in the leaves (chlorosis)—leaves appear yellow and splotchy

• Decline in growth

• Leaves turn black within 3 years

• Grass appears less vibrant

• Grass begins to thin

• Root rot

• Grass takes longer to recover

A green home is one that focuses on conservation, with the goal often being net-zero carbon emissions and self-sustainability. It will often include some kind of self-generation equipment, like solar panels or a small wind turbine, high-efficiency electrical components and mechanicals, and high-quality insulation and air sealing to reduce the loss of conditioned air. Many green homes also include xeriscaping or rainwater collection to cut down on drainage and water consumption.

Unless it only rains once in a blue moon where you live, you’re going to want water-loving plants in your garden bed or pot. A few ideas for plants that aren’t super fast-growing (meaning they’re good in pots or near foundations) and can handle a lot of standing water include: 

• Acorus (Sweet flag)

• Colocasia esculenta (Taro or elephant ear): In many climates, these are annuals, making them less desirable because you need to adjust the chain again after each replant.

• Equisetum scirpoides (Dwarf horsetail rush): non-dwarf varieties of horsetail are fast growers and can take over quickly.

• Juncus effusus (Curly rush)

• Osmunda regalis (Royal fern): Royal fern can grow quickly but can also handle being crowded, making them good container plants.