A thin layer of topsoil is okay but refrain from adding more than a few inches. A good rule of thumb is to get help from professionals in this area, but I hope that these landscaping ideas helped you decide the look and feel you want for your own design. Remember that plants with deep roots can get into the septic tank area where there can be harmful bacteria.
Over-water your lawn to get newly planted vegetation growing faster. Compacted soils retain less oxygen, reduce soil organisms treatment of the effluent, and reduce the systems effectiveness. Sometimes you lose track of just how much topsoil you have above your leach field.
Native wildflowers attract bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, songbirds, and other wildlife, turning your unsightly septic tank into a natural oasis.
However, healthy trees can do what they do so well by virtue [], DeWalt Cordless Backpack Sprayer Reduces the Fatigue of Manual Pump Sprayers Manual pump backpack sprayers work well for certain applications. These features prevent proper drainage from tank to leach field. Their shallow root systems are less likely to invade the septic system and cause damage. Other herbaceous plants can be used, but avoid plants that require frequent watering.
Remember that the tank may need to be pumped occasionally, which means workers and their maintenance truck will need easy access to it. you keep such features well away from your septic tank. However, if you go through gallons of pesticide or weed killer on a regular basis, you likely want something less mechanical. Failing that, it is possible to install root barriers to try to keep tree roots from invading your septic drain field (similar to the bamboo barriers used in controlling invasive bamboo).
can discourage grazing over your septic tank in a variety of ways. Examine your yard with the future in mind. They provide shade. Downloading, republication, retransmission or reproduction of content on this website is strictly prohibited. Because the pipes are perforated, they allow wastewater to exit into first the crushed stone or gravel and then the soil below.
You can also purchase a decorative cover designed to fit over the hatch, turning it into a pretty convincing boulder.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Planting on Your Septic Drain Field Virginia Cooperative Extension. Grasses and perennials both have a shallow root system that should do no harm to your tank or drain field.
Don't become so paranoid about the potential of root damage on a septic system that you abstain from planting anything in that area. architectural features up above your septic tank create problems like All of the parts of this carefully tuned system must be functioning properly or else the result is a mess (and a costly one). Create walkways or high traffic paths over the septic tank or leach field. While most flowering plants will attract pollinators, flowers native to your region will provide the best, most natural habitat.
For example, a
Required fields are marked *.
However, since plants do a great job of absorbing excess moisture and slowing erosion, adding some landscaping around your septic system might actually help. They will help you do a great job and stay on the safe side when it comes to landscaping around your septic tank. amzn_assoc_title = "Shop Related Products"; WSU Small Acreage Coordinator Clark County After Stanley Black and Decker Acquired MTD, the company seems laser-focused on expanding into gas landscaping products. Content, including images, displayed on this website is protected by copyright laws. As for what you can plant over your septic tank and drain field, grasses (including ornamental grasses) often work best. One reason to landscape around a septic system is to disguise any unsightly visible infrastructure, such as the access hatch.
If you live
amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";
Using shallow rooted, low maintenance, low water plants is the key to planting over a drainfield and near your septic system. If you think that your system is being affected by invading tree roots, please give us a call at (951) 780-5922 right away. Bird baths or feeders, sundials, potted plants, sculptures or lawn ornaments near the access port will make it easier to locate for servicing. Growing the right kind of vegetation here is not only permissiblebut actually advisable. A tiered planter box or bench can camouflage these ports and can be easily moved to allow service. Some Problem Trees to Avoid in Your Landscape, Use These Septic Safe Household Cleaning Products, Inspect Plumbing Regularly to Prevent Expensive Problems, How to Eliminate Drain Flies In and Around the House, The Best Washing Machine Cleaners for a Fresh Laundry Routine.
After all, the prevailing and common wisdom is that you should really avoid both building and major landscaping around a septic system. The liquids eventually exit via a T-shaped baffle pipe. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; These nutrient-absorbing plants may have issues with bacteria if placed too close.
Options include: dogwoods, Japanese maples, Eastern redbuds, cherry trees, hydrangeas, azaleas, boxwoods, holly, and dwarf tree varieties. Resist that urge.
Disrupt the soil as little as possible, keeping tilling and cultivation to a minimum. Consider planting perennials. Plants with extensive roots can grow down into the septic system and damage it.
tank. using a landscaping feature such as a birdbath or any stationary lawn A few examples of such trees are
Plants help stabilize the soil over a septic field and prevent erosion, which can damage the system. Don't place pathways for foot traffic up above your septic tank. Do you have plans for constructing storage sheds, decks, patios or other structures? Information on regular maintenance and inspection can be found in Protecting Your Investment: Inspecting Your Septic System (PDF). Any trees planted in your yard should be at least
Grazing animals eat away protective vegetation over your
Trees should be planted a minimum of 20 feet away, but trees that are known for searching out water should be planted a minimum of 50 feet away. if they are located far away. Keep in mind your specific septic system needs and regular maintenance that may be needed. Plants will prevent erosion and suck up some of the excess moisture from the drain field. amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; Landscaping the ground over a septic system beautifies a less-than-inspiring view but choose plants with care.
Likewise, the landscaping around your septic system requires occasional inspection as well. You want to limit vegetation over your septic Growing the right kind of vegetation here is not only permissiblebut actually advisable. your landscaping, you must not cover it up completely. can of vegetation Ornamental grasses can be planted, as well as maintaining a traditional lawn. You can also use animal repellents around
Conversely, if the access hatch is not visible, marking it will make any required septic maintenance easier and minimize the destruction of your beautiful landscaping.
20-foot-tall tree should be planted at The scum rises to the top.
Do not lay down any weed barrier fabric, plastic sheeting, gravel, or thick bark mulch. Consider installing risers, available from local septic pumpers, over access ports and then disguising them as discussed above. NEW Milwaukee M18 Fuel Belt Sander | 2832-20 HANDS-ON, YouTube Video VVVuaFZUNTRHOWtOcXV3VDFfZDJaR1F3LkpEMS1NdjBFWk1r, Tree Root Damage to Foundation and Concrete, Greenworks 60V Pole Saw and Pole Hedge Trimmer Review, Green Machine Carbon Fiber String Trimmer Review, DeWalt Zero-Turn Mowers for Commercial Users. Our pages provide links to external sites for the convenience of users. Improper (or lack of) maintenance and physical damage are the two main causes of a failing septic system. Plant shrubs or trees on the septic system. bamboo, cypress, pine, poplar, and elm trees.
Characteristics of Potentially Damaging Trees. However, certain guidelines should be followed to avoid costly and unpleasant experiences. Receive emails about upcoming classes and events. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. amzn_assoc_default_search_phrase = "garden";
tank so that you don't inadvertently cause problems or damage. Grass provides ideal year-round cover for drainfields.
vehicles never drive over the area where your septic tank is located. You can plant flowers on a septic bed, as they are sufficiently shallow-rooted.
As an Amazon Associate, we may earn income when you click on an Amazon link. Too much water can contribute to soil compaction and backing up the septic system. But, in addition, some of the worst offenders are trees and shrubs with root systems that aggressively seek out sources of water.
You may still need to water them on occasion, but drain fields get rained on all the time and do just fine. As long as you carefully select the landscaping for near your septic system, you do not have to overly stress about the potential of damage to septic systems caused by roots that you abstain from planting these areas altogether. Address: 17333 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA 92504Phone: (951) 780-5922E-Mail: wcsanitation@gmail.comWeb westcoastsanitationinc.com, West Coast Sanitation, Inc. 2022 | California License # 973707, Landscaping Around a Septic System: Dos and Donts. How to Grow and Care for Juniper Bonsai Trees, 8 Creative Landscaping Ideas to Hide Utility Boxes. Learn
Landscape fabric, plastic, bark, or mulch should not be used over your septic system. definitely shouldn't plant large shrubbery or trees anywhere near Virginia Tech Cooperative Extension. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Septic Tank and Sewage Disposal Services.
OPE Reviews is written by landscaping professionals, tree care Pros, heavy equipment operators, and general contractors If you work with trees, outdoor power equipment, or you drive heavy machinery, youre going to relate to our writers (and youll want to read more and more). It is not safe to eat food crops grown in the ground around a drain fieldbecause eating them might entail ingesting harmful bacteria. What Are Leach Lines and When Should They Be Replaced? amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "protoorev-20"; Septic System Management Landscaping and Other Activities on Your Property Oregon State University Extension Well Water Program. water demands. For the same reason, small, non-woodyground covers are a good choice. more about keeping your septic tank in good shape by getting in touch The DeWalt 20V Max cordless backpack sprayer is one of many products that use [], It seems like Ive spent an inordinate amount of time cutting grass lately.
You
Im not prone to wondering about physics, engineering, lift force, or any of the other techy, nerd science that goes into many of the tools we use every day. This will also suppress weeds.
Create areas of increased foot traffic. from It is primarily the drain field pipes that you have to worry about when planting around septic tanks. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. What You Should Know About Tree Roots, Soil, and Your Foundation, and How To Prevent Concrete Damage Most of us appreciate the value of a few trees in the yard. So a specimen 50 feet tall at maturity should stand at least 50 feet away. Extension programs are available to all without discrimination. Well designed, property installed and regularly maintained septic systems can last for many years.
What Size String Trimmer Line Should You Use? Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Most grass types are fine, but youll want to make sure that its easy to take care of with regular, light mowing. Many reputable seed companies offer wildflower meadow seed mixes, allowing you to grow a variety of native flowers with minimal effort.
Im mostly just happy that my lawn equipment works as advertised. Because they have adapted to local growing conditions, native plants require little care, which means less traffic and disturbance around the septic system.
Always wear gloves when digging in a drain field to protect yourself. If you like it when your septic system runs properly, keep major obstructions far away. The roots might go deeper than you want. Use common sense and plan around your septic system.
and potentially penetrate pipes in pursuit of water. Make good choices and your lawn ornaments and the plants or root vegetables you use in your garden.
Grass or herbaceous vegetation that can be disturbed should be planted over the tank, so you wont hesitate to damage them. your system.
WSU Extension does not manage these external sites, nor does Extension review, control, or take responsibility for the content of these sites. Copyright 2008-2022 Pro Tool Reviews, LLC.
He enjoys his faith, family, friends, and the Oxford comma.
amzn_assoc_region = "US";
Here are a few suggestions to help get you started: Because woody plants often have deep, aggressive root systems, they should be avoided when landscaping around the septic tank. may wish to add architectural features like retaining walls, stone (564) 397-5701 While grass is fine, youll probably want to steer cleer of planting gardens. Shrubs with less aggressive roots may be planted 10 feet or further from the septic field, and less aggressive trees 20 feet or further.
Is there anything you would add to my list? Shallow-rooted trees and shrubs include: Generally, avoid planting large, fast-growing trees. This prevents plant roots from searching out water and messing with your system. The roots of large, mature trees nearby can pose a risk.
Having chosen low-maintenance plants according to the tips above, you shouldnt have much to do around the septic system once the plants have become established. We find there are both good ways and bad ways to go about landscaping around a septic system. The trenches are filled with crushed stone or gravel. The more foot traffic, the more soil becomes compacted. Visually, they break up the monotony of an empty lawn. The roots of grass and other herbaceous plants can help remove excess moisture and nutrients and help the septic system work efficiently. Plants can help to prevent erosion and suck up excess moisture from the drain field.
Over-water your lawn to get newly planted vegetation growing faster. Compacted soils retain less oxygen, reduce soil organisms treatment of the effluent, and reduce the systems effectiveness. Sometimes you lose track of just how much topsoil you have above your leach field.
Native wildflowers attract bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, songbirds, and other wildlife, turning your unsightly septic tank into a natural oasis.
However, healthy trees can do what they do so well by virtue [], DeWalt Cordless Backpack Sprayer Reduces the Fatigue of Manual Pump Sprayers Manual pump backpack sprayers work well for certain applications. These features prevent proper drainage from tank to leach field. Their shallow root systems are less likely to invade the septic system and cause damage. Other herbaceous plants can be used, but avoid plants that require frequent watering.
Remember that the tank may need to be pumped occasionally, which means workers and their maintenance truck will need easy access to it. you keep such features well away from your septic tank. However, if you go through gallons of pesticide or weed killer on a regular basis, you likely want something less mechanical. Failing that, it is possible to install root barriers to try to keep tree roots from invading your septic drain field (similar to the bamboo barriers used in controlling invasive bamboo).
can discourage grazing over your septic tank in a variety of ways. Examine your yard with the future in mind. They provide shade. Downloading, republication, retransmission or reproduction of content on this website is strictly prohibited. Because the pipes are perforated, they allow wastewater to exit into first the crushed stone or gravel and then the soil below.
You can also purchase a decorative cover designed to fit over the hatch, turning it into a pretty convincing boulder.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Planting on Your Septic Drain Field Virginia Cooperative Extension. Grasses and perennials both have a shallow root system that should do no harm to your tank or drain field.
Don't become so paranoid about the potential of root damage on a septic system that you abstain from planting anything in that area. architectural features up above your septic tank create problems like All of the parts of this carefully tuned system must be functioning properly or else the result is a mess (and a costly one). Create walkways or high traffic paths over the septic tank or leach field. While most flowering plants will attract pollinators, flowers native to your region will provide the best, most natural habitat.
For example, a
Required fields are marked *.
However, since plants do a great job of absorbing excess moisture and slowing erosion, adding some landscaping around your septic system might actually help. They will help you do a great job and stay on the safe side when it comes to landscaping around your septic tank. amzn_assoc_title = "Shop Related Products"; WSU Small Acreage Coordinator Clark County After Stanley Black and Decker Acquired MTD, the company seems laser-focused on expanding into gas landscaping products. Content, including images, displayed on this website is protected by copyright laws. As for what you can plant over your septic tank and drain field, grasses (including ornamental grasses) often work best. One reason to landscape around a septic system is to disguise any unsightly visible infrastructure, such as the access hatch.
If you live
amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";
Using shallow rooted, low maintenance, low water plants is the key to planting over a drainfield and near your septic system. If you think that your system is being affected by invading tree roots, please give us a call at (951) 780-5922 right away. Bird baths or feeders, sundials, potted plants, sculptures or lawn ornaments near the access port will make it easier to locate for servicing. Growing the right kind of vegetation here is not only permissiblebut actually advisable. A tiered planter box or bench can camouflage these ports and can be easily moved to allow service. Some Problem Trees to Avoid in Your Landscape, Use These Septic Safe Household Cleaning Products, Inspect Plumbing Regularly to Prevent Expensive Problems, How to Eliminate Drain Flies In and Around the House, The Best Washing Machine Cleaners for a Fresh Laundry Routine.
After all, the prevailing and common wisdom is that you should really avoid both building and major landscaping around a septic system. The liquids eventually exit via a T-shaped baffle pipe. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; These nutrient-absorbing plants may have issues with bacteria if placed too close.
Options include: dogwoods, Japanese maples, Eastern redbuds, cherry trees, hydrangeas, azaleas, boxwoods, holly, and dwarf tree varieties. Resist that urge.
Disrupt the soil as little as possible, keeping tilling and cultivation to a minimum. Consider planting perennials. Plants with extensive roots can grow down into the septic system and damage it.
tank. using a landscaping feature such as a birdbath or any stationary lawn A few examples of such trees are
Plants help stabilize the soil over a septic field and prevent erosion, which can damage the system. Don't place pathways for foot traffic up above your septic tank. Do you have plans for constructing storage sheds, decks, patios or other structures? Information on regular maintenance and inspection can be found in Protecting Your Investment: Inspecting Your Septic System (PDF). Any trees planted in your yard should be at least
Grazing animals eat away protective vegetation over your
Trees should be planted a minimum of 20 feet away, but trees that are known for searching out water should be planted a minimum of 50 feet away. if they are located far away. Keep in mind your specific septic system needs and regular maintenance that may be needed. Plants will prevent erosion and suck up some of the excess moisture from the drain field. amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; Landscaping the ground over a septic system beautifies a less-than-inspiring view but choose plants with care.
Likewise, the landscaping around your septic system requires occasional inspection as well. You want to limit vegetation over your septic Growing the right kind of vegetation here is not only permissiblebut actually advisable. your landscaping, you must not cover it up completely. can of vegetation Ornamental grasses can be planted, as well as maintaining a traditional lawn. You can also use animal repellents around
Conversely, if the access hatch is not visible, marking it will make any required septic maintenance easier and minimize the destruction of your beautiful landscaping.
20-foot-tall tree should be planted at The scum rises to the top.
Do not lay down any weed barrier fabric, plastic sheeting, gravel, or thick bark mulch. Consider installing risers, available from local septic pumpers, over access ports and then disguising them as discussed above. NEW Milwaukee M18 Fuel Belt Sander | 2832-20 HANDS-ON, YouTube Video VVVuaFZUNTRHOWtOcXV3VDFfZDJaR1F3LkpEMS1NdjBFWk1r, Tree Root Damage to Foundation and Concrete, Greenworks 60V Pole Saw and Pole Hedge Trimmer Review, Green Machine Carbon Fiber String Trimmer Review, DeWalt Zero-Turn Mowers for Commercial Users. Our pages provide links to external sites for the convenience of users. Improper (or lack of) maintenance and physical damage are the two main causes of a failing septic system. Plant shrubs or trees on the septic system. bamboo, cypress, pine, poplar, and elm trees.
Characteristics of Potentially Damaging Trees. However, certain guidelines should be followed to avoid costly and unpleasant experiences. Receive emails about upcoming classes and events. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. amzn_assoc_default_search_phrase = "garden";
tank so that you don't inadvertently cause problems or damage. Grass provides ideal year-round cover for drainfields.
vehicles never drive over the area where your septic tank is located. You can plant flowers on a septic bed, as they are sufficiently shallow-rooted.
As an Amazon Associate, we may earn income when you click on an Amazon link. Too much water can contribute to soil compaction and backing up the septic system. But, in addition, some of the worst offenders are trees and shrubs with root systems that aggressively seek out sources of water.
You may still need to water them on occasion, but drain fields get rained on all the time and do just fine. As long as you carefully select the landscaping for near your septic system, you do not have to overly stress about the potential of damage to septic systems caused by roots that you abstain from planting these areas altogether. Address: 17333 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA 92504Phone: (951) 780-5922E-Mail: wcsanitation@gmail.comWeb westcoastsanitationinc.com, West Coast Sanitation, Inc. 2022 | California License # 973707, Landscaping Around a Septic System: Dos and Donts. How to Grow and Care for Juniper Bonsai Trees, 8 Creative Landscaping Ideas to Hide Utility Boxes. Learn
Landscape fabric, plastic, bark, or mulch should not be used over your septic system. definitely shouldn't plant large shrubbery or trees anywhere near Virginia Tech Cooperative Extension. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Septic Tank and Sewage Disposal Services.
OPE Reviews is written by landscaping professionals, tree care Pros, heavy equipment operators, and general contractors If you work with trees, outdoor power equipment, or you drive heavy machinery, youre going to relate to our writers (and youll want to read more and more). It is not safe to eat food crops grown in the ground around a drain fieldbecause eating them might entail ingesting harmful bacteria. What Are Leach Lines and When Should They Be Replaced? amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "protoorev-20"; Septic System Management Landscaping and Other Activities on Your Property Oregon State University Extension Well Water Program. water demands. For the same reason, small, non-woodyground covers are a good choice. more about keeping your septic tank in good shape by getting in touch The DeWalt 20V Max cordless backpack sprayer is one of many products that use [], It seems like Ive spent an inordinate amount of time cutting grass lately.
You
Im not prone to wondering about physics, engineering, lift force, or any of the other techy, nerd science that goes into many of the tools we use every day. This will also suppress weeds.
Create areas of increased foot traffic. from It is primarily the drain field pipes that you have to worry about when planting around septic tanks. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. What You Should Know About Tree Roots, Soil, and Your Foundation, and How To Prevent Concrete Damage Most of us appreciate the value of a few trees in the yard. So a specimen 50 feet tall at maturity should stand at least 50 feet away. Extension programs are available to all without discrimination. Well designed, property installed and regularly maintained septic systems can last for many years.
What Size String Trimmer Line Should You Use? Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Most grass types are fine, but youll want to make sure that its easy to take care of with regular, light mowing. Many reputable seed companies offer wildflower meadow seed mixes, allowing you to grow a variety of native flowers with minimal effort.
Im mostly just happy that my lawn equipment works as advertised. Because they have adapted to local growing conditions, native plants require little care, which means less traffic and disturbance around the septic system.
Always wear gloves when digging in a drain field to protect yourself. If you like it when your septic system runs properly, keep major obstructions far away. The roots might go deeper than you want. Use common sense and plan around your septic system.
and potentially penetrate pipes in pursuit of water. Make good choices and your lawn ornaments and the plants or root vegetables you use in your garden.
Grass or herbaceous vegetation that can be disturbed should be planted over the tank, so you wont hesitate to damage them. your system.
WSU Extension does not manage these external sites, nor does Extension review, control, or take responsibility for the content of these sites. Copyright 2008-2022 Pro Tool Reviews, LLC.
He enjoys his faith, family, friends, and the Oxford comma.
amzn_assoc_region = "US";
Here are a few suggestions to help get you started: Because woody plants often have deep, aggressive root systems, they should be avoided when landscaping around the septic tank. may wish to add architectural features like retaining walls, stone (564) 397-5701 While grass is fine, youll probably want to steer cleer of planting gardens. Shrubs with less aggressive roots may be planted 10 feet or further from the septic field, and less aggressive trees 20 feet or further.
Is there anything you would add to my list? Shallow-rooted trees and shrubs include: Generally, avoid planting large, fast-growing trees. This prevents plant roots from searching out water and messing with your system. The roots of large, mature trees nearby can pose a risk.
Having chosen low-maintenance plants according to the tips above, you shouldnt have much to do around the septic system once the plants have become established. We find there are both good ways and bad ways to go about landscaping around a septic system. The trenches are filled with crushed stone or gravel. The more foot traffic, the more soil becomes compacted. Visually, they break up the monotony of an empty lawn. The roots of grass and other herbaceous plants can help remove excess moisture and nutrients and help the septic system work efficiently. Plants can help to prevent erosion and suck up excess moisture from the drain field.