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Planting over drains

rafuk73rafuk73 Posts: 68
in Problem solving
Hello,

I have planted few Portuguese Laurels next to each other and two central plants are right over the drains. Should I replant the plants to prevent any damage to the drains in future? The house was built in 1929, so I don't know what drains were made of. Do you know what safe distance is between the tree and the drains? Thanks

Posts

  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    The drains will probably be ceramic, I would not plant directly over unless they are very deep. 
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    edited September 2022
    I have a 5m conifer planted over a roof rainwater drain.  I put some caustic soda solution down this drain a couple of times a year to stop roots from entering the drain.

    This is just what I do.  Don't do this at home.  I am a graduate chemist with experience of handling caustic soda/sodium hydroxide in industry.  It is extremely dangerous if not handled correctly.
     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
  • rafuk73rafuk73 Posts: 68
    Thanks. What can I plant then so tall that it will go a foot over the fence, bit at the same time not damaging sewage pipe?
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