Browse Forums Landscape & Garden Design 1 Jan 01, 2010 4:04 pm Looking for some help in selecting a small tree to offer shade in backyard. The problem is that it would be approx 2m from a leach drain. I have underplanted natives, so wouldn't want it to be a dense tree. I also need another tree that would be located near a septic tank, also approx 2m away and 4-5m from a pool and all its pipes. Located in WA, clay soil, and easterly winds in summer. Thanks for any help. Re: Small Tree near Septic & Leach Drains 2Jan 02, 2010 9:48 am I planted banana near my leach drain. I am not sure where you are in WA, so I am not sure whether banana will grow for you. I know my friend in Perth has banana growing in his yard. I wouldn't plant any other trees near the drain, if I were you... Regards, Ari Ari & Scott Darwin, NT Re: Small Tree near Septic & Leach Drains 3Jan 05, 2010 8:15 pm I hate to say it but that is a very big ask you have there. Being clay soil in WA and building you'd be in maybe some areas near The Pilbara, Gero, Bunnas, Esperance or a wheatbelt area most likely and they are going to need varying types of trees depending on location. Expect issues later no matter what. If you are north, try a frangipani. South, maybe a Hakea Laurina or Multilineata (excellent in wheatbelt areas) and under prune them as they grow and give them a tree shape Top flower show too and easy to get from a garden centre If not I can find them and contact the garden centre for you Grevillea Olivaceae will be another very suitable for this Underplant with chorizeama and thomasia species Re: Small Tree near Septic & Leach Drains 4Jan 07, 2010 1:37 am Thanks guys for your suggestions. I should have been more specific with my location. We are on two and a half acres at the foot of the hills in Maida Vale, Perth. The first foot or so of soil is 'dirt' and thereunder is clay. The reason I need a tree or shrub (3-4 mts) is for dappled shade over my vege patch as it is being cooked by the afternoon sun! If it makes any difference, the tree would be 2m off the end of the 12m leach drain (we have two leach drains that we alternate each 6 months). Currently we have Kikuyu growing EXTREMELY well over this area - weekly mowing! I have been advised by some 'horts/landscapers' that a Gleditsia Sunburst would give me dappled shade (and I do like this tree) but am unsure of the root system. Would this tree be a no no ? Wouldn't mind a deciduous tree. I think maybe the Olivaceae and Pin Cushion Hakea may be too dense (the ones here are really thick). What other natives could I use that would give me a dappled shade? Grevillea longistyla? Thanks again in advance. By the way, love the forum and all the info. Re: Small Tree near Septic & Leach Drains 5Jan 07, 2010 4:45 pm So, you don't like banana? They grow really fast and don't really have a huge root system... I wouldn't plant a tree that close to the drain, unfortunately.... Regards, Ari Ari & Scott Darwin, NT Re: Small Tree near Septic & Leach Drains 6Jan 07, 2010 6:49 pm Yes Ari, I do like bananas! But my garden is mostly natives, among the gumtrees and I think it would look out of place ?? Re: Small Tree near Septic & Leach Drains 8Jan 08, 2010 11:47 am Grevillea Vale I have been advised by some 'horts/landscapers' that a Gleditsia Sunburst would give me dappled shade (and I do like this tree) but am unsure of the root system. Would this tree be a no no ? Are they smoking something!!!!!???? Well it really is a tough call there. The Hakeas and Grevs will be best for providing dappled shade esp. the Hakea being a mallee plant. However with the veggie garden as a factor, nutrient runoff will affect them and the Grevs. I think in all honesty for your situation a shade structure is going to be by far the best option. Lots of trees you can use (and way better than a Gleditsia) but they are going to bugger up your drainage. This is because trees are bloody lazy buggers and roots develop along areas of high moisture and disturbed soil because it is soft and moist. All the features your leach drain has. You'll need to look at at smaller shrubs if a plant is the only answer for you and perhaps exotic species that will handle the water and nutrients of your veggie garden. A shade structure covered in 10% shade is perfect for the veggies and also what many commercial growers use here in Perth for crops like tomato, cucumbers, capsicum etc Re: Small Tree near Septic & Leach Drains 9Jan 09, 2010 4:13 pm Thanks Fu. Appreciate all your advice. Will have to start looking at shade structures, or shade sails. As for the plants, well shrubbing I shall go. Got any suggestions for exotics? Although not sure I will get much nutrient run off as vege patch slopes away and kikuyu will get it first ? Will probably stick to the natives - any excuse for another grevillea! Re: Small Tree near Septic & Leach Drains 10Jan 09, 2010 8:30 pm Try using Alyogyne species (Native Hibiscus) They look and grow fantastic. Gero waxes and right now, some of the Verticodias are amazing in full bloom! V. nitens is the bright orange one seen about the valleys and Chittering right now. Re: Small Tree near Septic & Leach Drains 11Jan 18, 2010 1:29 am Just had a thought for the shade I need over the vege patch. How would I go with a grapevine growing over part of the patch? Maybe just the middle? It's 9m x 3m short ends facing east/west. And if so can anyone recommend a good grape for Perth? Thanks. Re: Small Tree near Septic & Leach Drains 12Jan 18, 2010 12:40 pm Bloody fantastic idea You can grow any grape you like and I personally suggest wine varieties. The flavour craps on table grape varieties but they are smaller and have seeds. make grape seed oil someday? Make your own wine? Our standard double-glazed window is tested to achieve, Rw 34, and can be glazed to suit Rw 39. The price is good too... 3 9471 Hello. I just bought a few acres in Habana, Mackay, and my horses seem to love hanging around under this tree. I would like to name the paddock after this tree. Can… 0 9528 |