What trees or shrubs (ideally columnar) could I plant over my 5' deep sewer line?

Question

I live in New Orleans (zone 9-10 and space receives full sun).

Answer 1

I wouldn't do a tree or a bush, you will end up with problems..however small handmade trellises will do morning glories, passion flowers etc..I am i'n Florida panhandle and I have 31 large banana trees covering my drain field..they root very very shallow..and self propogate as they grow...I have a little jungle on mine..These are cold hearty too and about 18 to 25 feet tall and will grow in yoru weather..I am From texas..but in Florida 11 years now..I know your wether fairly well, and when my friends came down from Texas 4 years back I dug up and gave them 10 "pups" he now has over 20 or 30 full grown plants that do well there...I will be selling pups as I do every year when spring hits for 1.00 a foot

Answer 2

I have a double row of douglas fir planted 10 ft back from the property line on my 1.5 acre yard. It is an excellent winter wind-break and it's nice to see some green in winter! The foliage go way down to the ground too, so it's a nice privacy hedge. Plus it encourages birds too. I would agree that need to check with neighbors if planting right on the property line, but if you are planting on your property, need to make sure the final spread of the tree when mature doesn't go over that line either. Hope this helps!

Answer 3

I really don't think I would plant anything over a sewer line it will only add to your frustration when the roots begin to grow and clog you drain. Believe me they do get inside the lines. If the line ever needs to be worked on it will destroy all of your hard work.
If you want to plant be sure to plant something with shallow root growth.
Privet hedges can grow to 18' tall but they need to be trimmed 1 or 2 times a year for shaping.

You might want to open and read the link below before deciding on plants there.
Sewer backup prevention program
What you need to know to avoid causing planting-related sewer problems
http://www.sewersmart.org/plantguide.html

Answer 4

lilacs are great and you shouldn't have to trim them.