Why do plants and flowers grown next to a well-head die so easily?

Question

My friend's yard supports plants and flowers very well. However, when planted near the well-head they die off like nothing.

Answer 1

Probably because of the residues that are leached into the soil by the metals/coatings/oils on the metal casing. There is probably a reaction between the casing and the water and other minerals/acids in the soil that are not healthy for the plants.

Answer 2

If the well was recently drilled there is probably a high concentration of rock dust flushed out during the process. This would lack humus and a blend of soluble stuff found in the nearby soil.
the condition should improve over time or could be improved with a few bags of topsoil from the garden shop.

If you are talking about an oil well and not a water well, there could be a temperature problem as well as contamination. The temperature of the material from deep down is quite a bit warmer than the soil at the surface. The temperature of the soil near the well may just be too hot. The heat would also cause drying of the soil.

Answer 3

If the well head has any copper material in it, it will kill everything that touches it. Also, you probably have a high concentration of heavy metal that is adverse for plant health.

You can solve this problem by putting a physical barrier between the well, to about a depth of 12-18 inches or so, and try planting again....

Answer 4

Even if there's no leaching, the soil over the casing might not be deep enough to support a root system
.

Answer 5

not enough room for roots