I'm dealing with a massive septic mound installation that stretches at least 70 feet long, and honestly, it feels a bit over the top for my small house. One side of the mound is about 15 feet high, and right now it's a muddy mess after all the rain we've had here in Minnesota. I'm looking for suggestions on what to plant—wildflowers, grasses, or maybe ground covers? I know mowing this mound will be nearly impossible, so I want to get a good strategy in place once they add black dirt, hopefully next week. I'm in Zone 4 with full sun exposure, but I have to admit, my gardening skills are pretty basic—I've only dealt with hanging baskets. Any advice would be super helpful!
2 Answers
Most folks just go with grass on their septic mounds, but it’s a good idea to check in with your installer about what’s best for your specific setup. Also, keep in mind that while grass roots are generally safe, you'll want to steer clear of bushes and trees since their roots can mess with the septic system. For your situation, a mix of grasses and ground covers might be your best bet, especially considering that mowing's going to be a challenge with that slope.
It sounds like they’ve built it up that high due to the soil conditions! Since your mound is on a slope, I totally get why you’re looking for alternatives to grass. You might consider a mix of grasses and wildflowers—that way, you can create something beautiful for the birds and wildlife while keeping the roots manageable. Just be sure to plan your design quickly since they’ll be seeding soon!