the plant sticks over slightly on the sidewalk-WRITEUP; the tree in the back courtyard needs pruning as it is too high or too wide --WRITEUP EVERY YEAR.

In either case, provided there is not too much texture, you could remove the doors, and, perhaps, the boxes as well, and {spray} paint them {primer and finish coat(s)} and change the hardware to give a more modern look.

“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant.” ~ Robert Louis Stevenson

We do not have an identifiable private sector outside of an Apple plant south of me (whose workers would unlikely rent my property due to distance).

Also, you just planted a money tree.

EP, as well as local township ordinances that could be in play.If the tank is out of service because it is deficient, many local municipalities will require that first it be pumped, they filled with stone and the lid broken to render it non-functional, then graded over and planted like in grass.In each PA  municipality there is an official called the Sewage Enforcement Officer, SEO, contact the township get the name and phone number of the SEO and call him or her for a direct answer to your situation. 

You could also call the local concrete plants / suppliers and ask what they use / recommend.

i actually love the planter and if you stage the house you should have some lush plants in there. that thing is cool!

@Reese Plante we are Flint investors and live just 15 minutes south. 

Looking at buying some multifamily properties, curious on how to organize the lawn and plants upkeep, can you answer these questions, I'd be grateful:1.