How to hide an above-ground concrete sewer structure? (flowers, grow, Honeysuckle)

[penner]

Any suggestions for how to hide an above-ground concrete sewer structure (I’m not sure what they’re called...hopefully someone knows what I'm referring to). It’s directly behind the condo and somewhat unsightly. I thought maybe I could plant some type of a bush/shrub in front of it, but I don’t know if there are any codes against planting something too close to a “sewer structure”.

[Va-Cat]

Originally Posted by penner

Any suggestions for how to hide an above-ground concrete sewer structure (I’m not sure what they’re called...hopefully someone knows what I'm referring to). It’s directly behind the condo and somewhat unsightly. I thought maybe I could plant some type of a bush/shrub in front of it, but I don’t know if there are any codes against planting something too close to a “sewer structure”.

If its what I'm thinking of, its a storm sewer riser. That would mean that its on either city or county property or on a utility easment. You should probably look into getting permission from your local municipality before planting anything around it.

[wit-nit]

Yep, Va-Cat is correct. And there probably is an easement whereby you cannot plant anything within so many feet of it. Same would be for utility boxes, cable boxes etc.

[Wilson513]

If you don't say where you are located, no one will have any idea what plants to recommend, but if you are in Zone 5 or higher, it will be grasses. They can grow next to concrete, can hide anything and will not interfere with access.

Don't bother asking, just plant some plugs around the sewer tower.

[J&Em]

Originally Posted by Wilson513

If you don't say where you are located, no one will have any idea what plants to recommend, but if you are in Zone 5 or higher, it will be grasses. They can grow next to concrete, can hide anything and will not interfere with access.

Don't bother asking, just plant some plugs around the sewer tower.

That's exactly what someone we know did, then they got a notification followed by fines for their plants that was deemed to interfere with access. A painful lesson since it was a lot of work to dig out established ornamental grass on top of the cost of the fine. Some municipalities can be very picky about what they allow on their right of ways.

[Innertuber]

Like Wilson I just plant and cover them. Never got any letters in FL. Worst I figure is they will dig the bushes out if they need access. Probably depends what you are trying to hide. Could maybe box it with lattice and grow passion vines or honeysuckle. Something easy to rip out on short notice.

[Icy Tea]

Depending on how big or how high it is( say more than a foot above ground) you could buy one of those nuclear fallout shelter symbols put it on and you could pass it off as a bunker.

[Annie53]

I think this is a good topic.

In the OP's case government agencies are involved.

But.......many homeowners have private septic systems in their yards and the exposed parts are pretty ugly.

I had a nice wishing well built to cover mine.....then I planted flowers around it.

The wishing well could be picked up and moved if I had to......but the tank can be pumped without disturbing the wishing well.

The newer septic tanks {the above ground parts} are too big to hide the way I did mine......so I think everyone's ideas would be welcome.

[penner]

Here's a picture, if it helps to identify what it is...?

[Bulldogdad]

Plant a screening bush away from the sewer outlet but in line of sight. A photinia or ligustrum would do the job.