After reading that, I'm sure a lot of us feel that our own septic issues are much more minor than we had thought. I don't know enough to address the tubing issue, or whether the system has more problems than simply a tank being located too high. Have you measured the soil temperature? Depending what the temperature is, it may not be the heat that's killing the grass. The raised temperature may simply be causing the soil mosture to evaporate more quickly, to the point that grass can't survive. You might be able to grow grass (or xeric plants) if you water the area significantly more than you're watering the rest of the lawn. It would help to know your USDA zone (that tells us winter lows) and the general area where you live (so we have an idea of summer temps). If you don't know your zone, you can enter your zip code here: http://www.garden.org/zipzone/index.php As far as what to do to hide the problem, my reaction would be to make a landscaping feature there anyway. We don't know how large the area is or exactly where, other than the middle of the yard -- but that shouldn't be an issue. It's quite possible to have a bed in the middle of the yard (I have one in the middle of the sunny part of the front lawn). You can add a bed most anywhere, though depending on exactly where in the yard this is, you may need to make the bed larger so it's a more pleasing shape. Can you post photos? Spread mulch over the area. (Since nothing grows there, the mulch only has to be deep enough to conceal the bare ground.) Maybe edge it with bricks or pavers to keep the mulch from washing into the grass. Then add the easy stuff: A birdbath, either on a pedestal or simply a large saucer on the ground. You have the room and the birds will appreciate it. You can add a feeder on a pole as well (the fact that spilled seed won't grow is a plus!). A good-sized rock or three (odd numbers will look better). Bury them a few inches, rather than simply plopping them on top of the soil. I'd have at least one that sticks up 1-2'. Add some smaller rocks to keep the big ones company. Then add plants in containers. Make sure the pots are large enough, and water regularly. I know nothing about your zone, your current landscaping, or what plants you prefer, so I can only say what I'd do. I'd go to a good nursery (not a big-box store) and ask for advice about plants that do well in pots. I'd use at least one evergreen shrub, something relatively low and spreading: prostrate juniper, very dwarf mugo pine, cotoneaster dammeri ... my aim seems to be to grow something that will conceal the pot to some degree, but ymmv. In the warm season, add your favorite flowering annuals in additional containers.

Your public health people will tell you not to grow any edible crops over a septic system drain field. Anything other than grass could interfere with the proper operation of your drain field.

I made a couple of garden beds where I had lawn, by spreading disassembled cardboard boxes on the lawn, wetting them down, then placing a layer of compost then mulch on top of them (you could use your grass clippings as mulch). I waited a month then dug holes and put plants in.Pretty much an instant garden bed and a great no dig garden.The worms love it too.Its been many months now and the plants are very happy. I just give them an occasional dressing of compost and mulch.

I felt the same way with my bed. I also have windows that flank the bed on either side but mine are a bit farther away than yours. Although I have a lot of framed art I could have put above it, I didn't want to take away from my pretty headboard. I also felt that the shape of a straight-edged picture frame or a round/oval mirror would work against the scrolled shape of my headboard. It may not be your choice, I found a simple cross that I've hung there and love the look. The ceiling is high enough that I felt I did need something there, but it didn't have to fill the space. I don't have a good pic, but here's the one I do have. Lynn