Shrub and Tree Selection for a Retaining Wall Over a Septic System

Shallow-Rooted, Non-Invasive Plants for a 6-Ft Wall

Constraints: 50-ft row, 3-ft existing evergreens, 8-ft andromedas to remove (bees, smell), septic tank 10 ft away, max height 10 ft.

Recommended Shrubs (Evergreen/Deciduous Mix)

• Juniper 'Spartan' – columnar, 8×6 ft, evergreen, part shade tolerant.
• Holly (e.g., 'Nellie Stevens') – 10 ft, evergreen, shade tolerant.
• Lilac – 8 ft, deciduous, fragrant spring bloom.
• Forsythia – 3–8 ft, deciduous, early yellow flowers.
• Spirea 'Vanhouttei' – 6–8 ft, deciduous, tough.

Small Trees

• Crabapple 'Tina' (Sargentii) – 8×15 ft, deciduous, edible fruit.
• Dogwood (dwarf varieties) – 10 ft, deciduous, spring blossoms.

Design

Mix deciduous and evergreen for winter sun/privacy balance. Plant low juniper under trees to fill gaps. Southern exposure favors deciduous for winter light.