Shrub – Planted Over Drain Tile

Q: I was going to plant an ‘Otto Luyken’ laurel but discovered that my house’s concrete sewer drain ran about a foot underneath that spot. What can I use as a container plant that I could set on the ground over the sewer line?

A: You can go ahead and plant the laurel in your chosen spot; there is no need for containers. Even though the drain is only a foot below, roots will spread sideways over the concrete. As long as the drain pipe is not leaking, roots will not invade.