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We are buying a house in Anoka County, Minnesota. The septic mound system is made of 100-percent sand. I read the publication on landscaping septic mounds but I don't think the mound will support plant life. Is there a safe way to augment the soil on the mound?

Last Updated: July 21, 2010

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This information is specific to Minnesota and not applicable to all states.

It almost sounds as though the septic system was never completed; is this a new house? Please have a county or city inspector visit the site to determine if this type of septic system is up to local code.

Again, with limited details, my sense it that the septic system is missing several feet of cover soil. That said, it is certainly possible to plant the edges of the mound to hide it. You should not till or, technically, even walk on the system.

Consider low-maintenance perennials and native grasses, such as prairie smoke, prairie coneflower. These options do not require mowing and will form a nice background to a low hedge surrounding the mound.

Landscaping Septic Systems

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