Native wildflowers attract bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, songbirds, and other wildlife, turning your unsightly septic tank into a natural oasis. following are six things to know about landscaping around your septic other than grass over your septic tank. The ingenious baffle is designed so that only the liquids can exit through the pipe.

It is primarily the drain field pipes that you have to worry about when planting around septic tanks. 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. 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. With the tips above in mind, you can install a beautiful, low-maintenance garden where there used to be only an unsightly septic field and access hatch. you may want to disguise the access port of your septic tank with 3. Landscape design should not interfere with the natural function of your system. Save Time and Money Properly Landscape Your Septic System. Options include: dogwoods, Japanese maples, Eastern redbuds, cherry trees, hydrangeas, azaleas, boxwoods, holly, and dwarf tree varieties. Flowering annuals and perennials are a good idea, just avoid plants with woody stems. Virginia Tech Cooperative Extension. They also join soil microbes in absorbing excess nutrients and moisture, reducing chances of oversaturation, and increasing oxygen exchange over the area. Too much water can contribute to soil compaction and backing up the septic system. Don't become so paranoid about the potential of root damage on a septic system that you abstain from planting anything in that area. Shrubs with less aggressive roots may be planted 10 feet or further from the septic field, and less aggressive trees 20 feet or further. However, plants also absorb excess moisture and slow erosion, so doing some landscaping around your septic system might not be the worst idea. septic tank mound landscaping landscape garden system rock gardens backyard around tanks field disguise hide ga While youre having that done, take the time to look for any rogue roots that might have crept their way into dangerous territory. using a landscaping feature such as a birdbath or any stationary lawn In areas that lack sewer systems, septic systems serve aswastewater treatment facilities. Over the years, a garden can do serious damage depending on what you plant. Instead, divert foot traffic around the area wherever possible. Properly landscaping around septic tank areas benefits the septic system and makes the area far more attractive.

You still want to avoid plants that need a lot of water to thrive. Plants help stabilize the soil over a septic field and prevent erosion, which can damage the system. Irrigation systems and water features should be located at least ten feet from the edge of your system. Perhaps the best advice would be to keep the landscaping over this area free of trees and shrubs.

Their discharge takes the liquids into a much larger part of the septic system known as the "drain field" or "leach field.". Smaller, lower garden beds get you back to our original point above. Construction on or near your septic system could damage the tank, pipes or soil. Keep vehicles larger than a riding mower off the drainfield to avoid soil compaction and damage to the leach lines. Information on regular maintenance and inspection can be found in Protecting Your Investment: Inspecting Your Septic System (PDF). The roots of water-craving plants grow down to pipes

Can I plant a garden in the area that just looks pretty? A good way to narrow down plant options is to consider these tips: Avoid planting large, fast-growing trees over your septic system. Occasionally, my brain [], DeWalt Zero-Turn Mower Line Targets Professional Landscapers Having released an extensive line of battery-powered outdoor equipment products, what does DeWalt intend with regard to gas products?

septic tank landscape (564) 397-5701 Additional water from downspouts, heavy hand watering, sprinklers or ponds overloads the soil and can lead to septic system failure. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; If Chances are that the area around your septic system is devoid of any large plants, patios, or other fixtures. Vegetable gardens require irrigation and involve frequent cultivation and digging which can damage pipes and other components, since parts of your system may be as little as six inches underground. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. amzn_assoc_default_category = "All"; That is not ideal. That means that youll want to have your tank inspected every three years, and pumped every three to five years. Would love your thoughts, please comment. septic stormwater cistern hiding lamb risparmio coscienza idrico pulita soluzioni sustainably catchment Consider installing risers, available from local septic pumpers, over access ports and then disguising them as discussed above. Receive emails about upcoming classes and events. Always wear gloves when digging in a drain field to protect yourself. While grass is fine, youll probably want to steer cleer of planting gardens. We can share some of the things weve learned along the way. You Direct downspouts and other surface water runoff away from your system. These nutrient-absorbing plants may have issues with bacteria if placed too close. For example, a Here are some options to consider: If you're insistent on growing trees and shrubs around your septic system, shallow-rooted kinds are best.

Don't place pathways for foot traffic up above your septic tank. One This makes it easier when it comes time to dig it up. Here are some shallow-rooted shrubs and trees that may be safely planted near the septic system: With cherry trees, keep in mind that fruit grown on or near a septic field should not be eaten (see number 6 for details). Improper (or lack of) maintenance and physical damage are the two main causes of a failing septic system. pumping. At some point (often about three years), youmust pay a septic service to pump the sludge and the scum out of the septic tank. least 20 feet away Know the location driveways, parking areas and walkways. But septic field landscaping must be done with care to avoid damaging the system. ~ Small Acreage Program Listserv ~ septic tank trees near plant safe around landscaping planting davey tree system your landscaping, you must not cover it up completely. Use common sense and plan around your septic system. The liquids eventually exit via a T-shaped baffle pipe. And never dig deeply, as you could damage the system. Most grass types are fine, but youll want to make sure that its easy to take care of with regular, light mowing. architectural features up above your septic tank create problems like Those tunnels need to stay clear and open for best performance. Plants that do not require frequent dividing will limit digging and possible damage to the drainfield. Is there anything you would add to my list? After Stanley Black and Decker Acquired MTD, the company seems laser-focused on expanding into gas landscaping products. The problem with super thirsty plants is that if they dont get enough to drink, theyll send deeper roots that could mess with your leach pipes. Consider planting perennials. There are many wonderful ways you can decorate the area around the septic tank. area to keep animals out. You dont want to eat food that is grown in an area that could be contaminated. You may still need to water them on occasion, but drain fields get rained on all the time and do just fine. Grasses and perennials both have a shallow root system that should do no harm to your tank or drain field. 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. For the same reason, small, non-woodyground covers are a good choice. Any trees planted in your yard should be at least They will help you do a great job and stay on the safe side when it comes to landscaping around your septic tank. Although a properly functioning septic system should not add disease causing organisms into the soil, it is difficult to judge how well the system works since that depends on many factors. Case in point, DeWalt zero-turn mowers include options specifically designed []. Particularly, trees that grow deep roots can wreak havoc, but its best to keep any trees at least 30 ft away from your drain field and tank. In addition, some of the worst offenders when it comes to septic damage are trees and shrubs with root systems that aggressively seek out sources of water. Forget that fencing and gate placement can affect septic pumper truck access. landscaping should be designed and your yard laid out so that For one, anything that grows there will have indirectly used wastewater to grow. 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.

Unsure of where your Know where your tank, drainfield and reserve areas are located system is? They are not fussy about the water source they tap into, meaning the pipes in your septic tank drain field are very much fair game. All of the parts of this carefully tuned system must be functioning properly or else the result is a mess (and a costly one). Animals should never be allowed to graze the drainfield during the wet season and should be removed before grazing results in bare soil. With the tips above in mind, you can install a beautiful, low-maintenance garden where there used to be only an unsightly septic field and access hatch. Shrubs may be placed next to the system. Its best to set them off to the side of the drain field and away from the septic tank.

This will also suppress weeds.

more about keeping your septic tank in good shape by getting in touch Landscaping the ground over a septic system beautifies a less-than-inspiring view but choose plants with care.

Most pumpers like to have access within 50 feet from the truck. Table 1: Shallow rooted native plants appropriate for landscaping septic systems. Terry Koper Possibly. Plant shrubs or trees on the septic system. Potted plants can be placed around and even on top of the access hatch to both mark and disguise it. More than likely, the area around your septic system is devoid of any large plants, patios, or other fixtures. Its important to keep soil erosion in mind, as well as to understand the septic drain field. Learn The roots might go deeper than you want.

Weeping willow trees are a notorious example. Perennialsand grasses (including ornamental grasses) work best around your septic tank and drain field. 20-foot-tall tree should be planted at

Plants will prevent erosion and suck up some of the excess moisture from the drain field. grease into your septic system could cause damage to your septic noises or smells. Root vegetables can penetrate your drain lines, while leafy vegetables may get soil splashed on the leaves from rain or irrigation. your system. You just need to know some best practices for how to landscape a septic tank and drain field. While it may seem ideal for a garden, contamination is a concern depending on how well your soil filters bacteria. Remember that tree roots can grow two to four times wider than the canopy, so those with aggressive root systems should be planted well away from the septic field. Plus, vegetable gardens require frequent maintenance that could damage a septic system, and raised bed gardens can reduce evaporation, which is important for the septic system to work properly. Examine your yard with the future in mind. You can plant flowers on a septic bed, as they are sufficiently shallow-rooted. trees need to be located even further from a septic tank. drain field and expose components of 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. system through certain landscaping practices. For more plant or gardening ideas contact the WSU Clark County Extension Master Gardners at 564-397-7725. Do not lay down any weed barrier fabric, plastic sheeting, gravel, or thick bark mulch. You want to limit vegetation over your septic These tend to be more drought-resistant. Copyright 2008-2022 Pro Tool Reviews, LLC. Visually, they break up the monotony of an empty lawn. If youre unsure about large trees, root barriers, woody stems, landscape fabric, or other potential hazards, its a good idea to contact a landscape designer who can help you with the unique needs of your individual property since no two are exactly alike. and potentially penetrate pipes in pursuit of water. That piqued our interest. The weight of the raised garden bed could compromise the integrity of any pipes or the drain field itself. Placing swimming pools, patios, and large trees nearby can eventually ruin your day. The solids sink to the bottom. know where the access port is for septic tank cleanings and service. Consider shallow-rooted trees and shrubbery (such as cherry trees, dogwood trees, holly shrubs, azalea shrubs and boxwood shrubs) for areas around the septic system, but keep them at least 10-15 feet away from your tank. 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. Another reason not to plant overtop of your drain field has to do with erosion. traffic can damage a septic tank in addition to vehicle traffic.

probably already knew that putting certain substances like paint and 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). Ponds should not be installed near the septic system, and youll want to minimize foot traffic over the area, so route walking paths around it. You can also use animal repellents around Trees with So a specimen 50 feet tall at maturity should stand at least 50 feet away. Environmental Services. Required fields are marked *. Remember that the tank may need to be pumped occasionally, which means workers and their maintenance truck will need easy access to it. Native, shallow-rooted, drought-tolerant plants are the best choices for planting around septic tanks and over drainage fields. You need to 1919 NE 78th St Vancouver, WA 98665-9752 It's not safe to eat food crops grown in the ground around a drain fielddue to the risk of bacteria in the area. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. However, since plants do a great job of absorbing excess moisture and slowing erosion, adding some landscaping around your septic system might actually help. amzn_assoc_default_search_phrase = "garden"; Mark the location of your access hatch with a potted plan, riser cover or lawn ornament right above it. These present better options. Downloading, republication, retransmission or reproduction of content on this website is strictly prohibited. Remember to choose herbaceous perennials and self-sowing annuals with shallow roots to protect your septic system.

564-397-5729 The wastewater is said to "percolate" through the ground. The of vegetation All of the parts of this carefully tuned system must be functioning properly, or else the result is a costly problem. For a natural look, try an unmowed meadow using a meadow mix, some sold as Eco-Turf or Fleur de Lawn with native grasses and shallow rooting flowers. He was in the nursery business for over a decade, working with a large variety of plants. tank to small plants with roots that do not penetrate the ground too The drain field typically consists ofa number of perforated PVC pipes laid in underground trenches. water demands. Basically, you dont want any sort of maintenance that requires you to drive heavy mowers or other machinery over any pipes that lie close to the surface. The optimal performance of your septic system should be the foremost consideration, but a cost/benefit analysis of using certain plants will have to be considered by each homeowner on an individual basis. Let tall Kentucky bluegrass or other lawn grow over the patch of land covering the septic tank. Your septic system requires regular maintenance. Whatever plants you choose, your landscape can be attractive and easy to maintain, while protecting you septic system. Foot We find there are both good ways and bad ways to go about landscaping around a septic system. Cover both bases with perennials, such as, Deer will still eat plants growing over septic systems. If you like it when your septic system runs properly, keep major obstructions far away. Sonya has written for Martha Stewart Living's site, won South Jersey Magazines One to Watch Award, and is also a member of The Spruce Gardening andPlant Care Review Board.

Resist that urge. Look for short grasses, herbaceous perennials, self-sowing annuals, and bulbs, such as the following (* indicates shade tolerance): Consider turning the area around your septic tank into a wildflower meadow or pollinator garden. with us at Walters amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; Planting On Your Septic Drain Field. Plants can help to prevent erosion and suck up excess moisture from the drain field. tank so that you don't inadvertently cause problems or damage. The last thing you really want is for a network of roots to wind their way into your system and infiltrate your pipes or tank. deeply. Some You

When preparing the soil around the septic tank, wear gloves and take care not to damage any part of the system. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; Some grasses and plants are great at absorbing excess moisture around the drain field and helping prevent issues from over-watering.

How about plants that arent for eating? As you can imagine, if planter boxes and heavy machinery can cause problems to your drain field and septic tank, the chances are pretty good that trees are generally a bad idea too, right? justin.odea@wsu.edu, 4-H Youth Development Program Clark County, Clark County 4-H Virtual Showcase Information, Protecting Your Investment: Inspecting Your Septic System. They provide shade. Report evidence of noncompliance to your local Extension office. 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. Growing the right kind of vegetation here is not only permissiblebut actually advisable. Gardens. Access ports for older tanks are usually buried six inches to two feet and are difficult to locate when it comes time to pump. Do you have plans for constructing storage sheds, decks, patios or other structures? Landscape fabric, plastic, bark, or mulch should not be used over your septic system. amzn_assoc_search_bar_position = "bottom";

In todays world of Internet news and online content, we began to inquire and found that more and more professionals were researching a majority of their major tool purchases online. Sonya Harris is an award-winning gardening expert with two decades of experience teaching and sharing her extensive knowledge about small space gardening. tank. Im mostly just happy that my lawn equipment works as advertised. Overwatering can compact soil over your leach field and case the septic system to get backed up. This fact sheet outlines how to landscape around your septic system to minimize damage. The Effect of Soil on Human Health: An Overview.European Journal of Soil Science. if they are located far away. grow above and around a septic tank without increasing the likelihood Here are some common trees and shrubs to avoid growing over a septic system: Some gardeners also might wonder whether they can put a vegetable garden over a septic field. Locate vegetable gardens, herb beds, fruit trees, and berry bushes well away from the septic system. As for what you can plant over your septic tank and drain field, grasses (including ornamental grasses) often work best. Certain trees and shrubs can cause damagewith their aggressive roots when planted around septic tanks and drain fields. Properly landscaping around septic tank areas benefits the septic system and makes the area far more attractive. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; Disrupt the soil as little as possible, keeping tilling and cultivation to a minimum. Using shallow rooted, low maintenance, low water plants is the key to planting over a drainfield and near your septic system. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. The Effect of Soil on Human Health: An Overview, If the spot does not get much sun, look at, The soil around septic systems is sometimes wetter than average, sometimes saltier than average, and sometimes both. She is a Master Gardener and founder of the award-winning Bullock Garden Project in New Jersey. roots that grow very aggressively damage septic tanks and pipes even Check out theselandscaping ideas around septic tank areas to safely beautify and protect your septic system. Keep in mind your specific septic system needs and regular maintenance that may be needed. Thats correct. Is It Safe to Use Drano With a Septic Tank? That means you could accidentally dig into your plastic leaching chambers when landscaping over a septic system. amzn_assoc_linkid = "cf97af818ccda089056c2c9191581fba"; When he doesn't have his hands on tools himself, Chris is often the man behind the camera lens making the rest of the team look good. Limit traffic over the system to reduce soil compaction.

While you dont want to regularly overwater a drain field, plants that dont require a lot of water make great solutions for covering up a drain field. can discourage grazing over your septic tank in a variety of ways. What Are Leach Lines and When Should They Be Replaced? A Guide to Holiday Guests and Septic Systems, The Problem With Medications and Septic Systems. Grazing animals eat away protective vegetation over your You can also purchase a decorative cover designed to fit over the hatch, turning it into a pretty convincing boulder. Planting on Your Septic Drain Field Virginia Cooperative Extension. your septic tank and thereby causes damage. 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. Growing the right kind of vegetation here is not only permissiblebut actually advisable. in an area with a lot of wildlife, take precautions to prevent Put down plastic sheeting or install ponds. This prevents plant roots from searching out water and messing with your system.



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