Planting Palms Over Sewer Pipes: Container Alternative

Original: Cut circular patio pattern for palm planting. Found 4" PVC sewer pipe 18–24" down. Can double-trunk foxtail/Christmas palm be safely planted above? Shallowest root system? Root barrier methods?

Follow-up: Container alternative acceptable. Which palm grows relatively large but stays in planter? Want night illumination, daytime shade. Do palms always outgrow containers?

Expert Advice

Don't plant any sizable palm over a sewer pipe—roots may damage pipe, and repairs would destroy the planting. Use a large decorative container with a smaller palm. Pygmy date and Areca are popular for containers (max ~12 ft). Christmas palm works in container but won't reach ground size.