We installed a high efficiency furnace several years ago and were told that the exhaust would not harm plants or bushes. Our shrubs in the surrounding area are slowly dying off. Portions of the evergreens have died but this year we totally lost the rhodadendron leaving the unsightly exhaust pipes exposed. Does anyone know of a shrub that will thrive under these conditions?

KeepItSimpleStupid

Although this is not an answer to your question, but it a more attractive venting option.

See the pictures of the "termination kit" and the "concentric vent" on this page:

Desco Energy

Them elbows and pieces of pipe are definately unattractive and the above contain both intake and exhaust.

Any possibility of re-routing the exhaust/intkge to a better location.

Clough

I am wondering if there could be another reason why the shrubs are dying. How far away from the vent pipe are the shrubs dying? How long ago were the shrubs and bushes planted? Maybe there is something else going on that could be coincidental.

KeepItSimpleStupid

We recently learned that leaking gas lines can cause plants to die. Look for any pattern along the gas pipe route if nearby.

lawnman14

I am in the heating and cooling trade and the reason for the plants to die is because the exhaust pipe is probably pointing down which will drie up the soil that they are in. Make sure that the exhaust pipe is pointing up and not down. If not cut the pipe right up against the fitting and prime and glue a PVC 90 pointing up, use PVC because it is a high efficienty furnace.