can i plant trees near my septic tank

Can you plant trees or shrubs over or near septic systems?

Guide to Planting Trees or Shrubs Over or Near Septic System or Sewer Lines: This article describes the types of trees, shrubs, or similar plants that should or should not be planted over or near septic fields or other septic system components.

Can you plant a tree near a water tank?

Tree roots are programmed to follow water. So, if you plant trees or shrubs too close to your system, they could pry into the pipes and clog them, which damages the system and your home’s water flow. The plants we mentioned above are usually a better option for landscaping near the tank.

How close can a tree be to a septic tank?

You are not out of the woods. There is still a danger posed by any large, mature trees that may be growing anywhere near your septic system. The general rule is that such a tree needs to be at least as many feet away from your septic drain field as it is tall. So a specimen 50 feet tall at maturity should stand at least 50 feet away.

What can I plant next to an old septic tank?

septic tank broken up and city sewer lines installed five years ago. What flowering bush can be planted in that area with shallow roots such as a snowball bush or azalea

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What trees are good around septic tanks?

Here are some example of trees and shrubs with shallow root systems that are safe to plant near your septic system:Japanese Maple Trees.Holly Shrubs.Dogwood Trees.Cherry Trees.Boxwood Shrubs.Eastern Redbud Trees.Azalea Shrubs.

How close to a septic field can I plant a tree?

The general rule is a tree needs to be at least as many feet away from your septic drain field as it is tall. So a specimen 50 feet tall at maturity should stand at least 50 feet away.

What can I plant around my septic tank?

Herbaceous plants, such as annuals, perennials, bulbs and ornamental grasses are generally the best choices for use on a septic drain field. Ornamental grasses also offer the advantages of having a fibrous root system that holds soil in place, and providing year-round cover.

Can tree roots damage a septic tank?

Trees can cause significant damage to a septic system. Over time, tree roots can wreak havoc on the pipes and drain lines that lead out to the sewer or to your privately installed septic system. Tree roots are drawn to these areas because the lines are a source of extra water, nutrients and oxygen.

What tree has shallow roots?

Shallow-rooted trees: Beech Fagus spp. Birch Betula spp. Cottonwood Populus deltoides.

How far should a tree be planted from a sewer line?

10 feetTrees should be located more than 10 feet from sewer lines to minimize root intrusion.

How do you landscape a septic system?

Avoid landscaping on or near the septic tank. Consider installing "risers" or septic tank lids to make septic tank pumping and monitoring visits easier and less time-consuming. The septic tank, drainfield and reserve area should be clear of: underground sprinkler lines.

Does shower water go into septic tank?

All drains in the home converge to a single pipe that leads to the septic tank buried outside. When the waste water from your toilet, shower, sinks and washing machine leave your house, it's combined. When it hits the septic tank, however, it begins to separate.

How do you camouflage a septic tank?

The Do's For Hiding Your Septic TankPlant tall native grasses with fibrous roots around the opening to conceal the tank lid from view.Place a light statue, bird bath or potted plant over the septic lid.Septic tank risers and covers are an alternative to concrete and blend into green grass.More items...•

Can tree roots grow into a concrete septic tank?

Unfortunately,a tree planted in a backyard may slowly extend its roots towards the septic field system. This root attraction to septic fields is due to the high levels of moisture common in most septic fields. Tree roots possess an uncanny ability to locate the pipes on a septic system and work their way inward.

How do I protect my septic tank from roots?

Copper Sulfate Copper sulfate is effective at killing roots growing in drain fields and septic tanks. Not only does copper sulfate kill already existing roots, but it also discourages the growth of new roots and keeps growing roots out of septic systems.

What kills roots in septic tanks?

Copper sulfate septicThere are special chemicals designed to kill tree roots in a septic tank system so they don't grow back. Copper sulfate septic treatments are the most common. This method is especially effective as it creates a poison barrier within the soil that kills the tree roots before they can grow into the pipe.

Can you plant on top of a leach field?

Plant roots absorb excess water from storms and keep soil from washing away. Plant foliage above ground collects water to lessen flooding risks. It's acceptable and even advisable to grow tall grass, weeds, and other shallow-rooted plants above your septic drain field.

How close to a septic tank can I plant vegetables?

According to the University of California Small Farm Program, fruits and vegetables should be planted at least 10 feet from a septic system or leach field to avoid bacterial contamination.

Can you plant grass over a leach field?

NOT recommended! Potential for bacterial contamination • Require fertilization, irrigation, soil cultivation • NO raised beds over drain field! Fruiting crops that grow up!

How big is a septic leach field?

Leach fields are typically located in a large, flat and open area of your yard. They can have multiple trenches between 18 to 36 inches deep, one to three feet wide and up to 100 feet long. There are typically six feet between each trench. If properly maintained, leach fields can last up to 25 years.

What to Plant Near or Over Your Septic Tank?

Forget everything you have heard to this point. When you choose the right type of tree or plant, it can actually help your septic system to keep things running properly and help to reduce the likelihood of erosion. The plants that are best for this area will typically have softer, green stems and be adapted to the amount of rain that is typically seen in your area.

Can fruit trees be planted near a septic tank?

Other types of fruit trees aren’t going to be a very good match either. If you choose to put any type of vegetation close to your septic tank, it may wind up being contaminated by viral or bacterial elements. Just think about it…

Can trees damage a septic tank?

Due to the necessity of these pipes, you may wonder what you can plant near this area safely. Unfortunately, there are several species of trees that can cause serious damage to a drain field and a septic tank, so you do have to be careful. However, by using the tips and information here, you can feel confident you have found a few good options.

Can trees grow in a fish tank?

Believe it or not, trees may also work too. The key is to choose ones that have shallow roots, and make sure that you don’t plant it too close to the actual tank.

What plants can be planted near a septic system?

However, when it comes to planting trees and shrubs, you need to be a bit more careful. Here are some example of trees and shrubs with shallow root systems that are safe to plant near your septic system:

Can you eat azaleas from a septic system?

Azalea Shrubs. Keep in mind that you shouldn’t plant any vegetation that you plan on eating from near your septic system. You might get better growth, but it won’t be safe to eat any of the fruit or vegetables produced.

How far away from tree can a septic system be?

In the photo at the top of this page, our field in northern Minnesota provided ample room to place septic system components more than 100 feet from the nearest tree. But what about those tire track that show up in light snow? Driving over the drainfield can also damage it.

What causes a septic system to fail?

Planting trees, shrubs, and even some ground covers over septic system components are causes of septic system failure in the drain field, leach field, seepage bed, or similar components.

What trees are near septic fields?

These include: Ornamental trees such as Cherry, Crabapple trees, and Dogwood trees.

How deep is a drainfield?

If your drainfield piping is really 10 feet deep in the soil, it may be successfully disposing of sewage effluent but the effluent treatment, reduction of pathogens, will be limited by lack of bacteria, increasing risk of contaminating nearby waterways or wells.

How close can a white pine tree grow?

Watch out: Since white pine can grow to 80+ feet, your 28 feet is too close. “Keep at least as much distance between the tree and the nearest drainfield component as the anticipated height of the tree at its maturity.”

What trees have deep roots?

Kahn, Allen, Jones (book cited at Septic Systems Home-References) point out that certain of these trees such as bamboo, weeping willows, eucalyptus, cypress, Monterey pine, pepper, and walnut have particularly aggressive and deep roots. Keep such trees at least 100 feet from the nearest septic field component.

How old are pine trees?

The pines in our photo (above-left) are white pines approximately 30 years old. The roots will quickly invade and clog the buried effluent lines and may also cause them to move, break, or become disconnected. The actual tree to septic distance needed depends on the tree variety and its normal root growth range.

How does a septic system discharge?

The ingenious baffle is designed so that only the liquids can exit through the pipe. Their discharge takes the liquids into a much larger part of the septic system known as the "drain field" or "leach field."

What plants can be planted around a septic tank drain field?

Cover both bases with perennials such as bee balm, hollyhocks, and wild violets, which tolerate both wet ground and salt.

What to plant around a septic tank?

Perennials and grasses ( including ornamental grasses) work best around your septic tank and drain field. Their shallow root systems are less likely to invade the underground system and cause it damage. For the same reason, small, non- woody ground covers are a good choice.

How long does it take to get scum out of a septic tank?

At some point (often about three years ), you must pay a septic service to pump the sludge and the scum out of the septic tank.

What are some examples of septic drains?

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. Weeping willow trees are a notorious example. There are many trees and shrubs to avoid, but here is a small sampling: Pussywillow shrubs. Japanese willow shrubs.

How far away should a tree be from a septic system?

The general rule is that such a tree needs to be at least as many feet away from your septic drain field as it is tall. So a specimen 50 feet tall at maturity should stand at least 50 feet away.

Where does wastewater go in a septic system?

A pipe brings the wastewater from the toilets, showers, sinks, and clothes washer out of your home and stores it in the septic tank, which is an underground, watertight receptacle. The septic tank is designed so that solids ("sludge") and scum will separate from liquids. The solids sink to the bottom.

How far should a tree be from a septic tank?

So it the tree is 10 feet tall it should be 10 feet away from the septic tank.

What to plant in a septic tank to prevent erosion?

Plants and trees prevent erosion and remove excess moisture from the drain field. Planting a Fescue Turf Grass such as Kentucky bluegrass; especially over and around the area of your Septic Tank is highly advised. Perennials are great flowers to plant and they come back every year. Some of the best species to consider are:

What are the factors that determine the growth of a plant?

Taking into consideration things like: 1 What space is available to grow 2 The temperature 3 The amount of sunlight or lack of 4 The amount of water 5 The air 6 The nutrients or soil 7 Time of year

Does septic Maxx work?

Septic Maxx will help guard and protect your system against the effects of anti-bacterial products, caustic cleaning agents and detergents by providing the ideal blend of bacteria and enzymes that your system requires to operate properly.

Can you plant fast growing plants in a septic tank?

These offenders seek out sources of water and are not fussy about the source. This means they might tap into the pipes in your septic tank thus causing major damage. There are many trees and shrubs you’ll want to avoid when making your selections.

Do perennials come back every year?

Perennials are great flowers to plant and they come back every year. Some of the best species to consider are: Both plants offer a shallow root system less likely to disturb your underground septic system and cause damage. You can also choose from a variety of small, non-woody low-lying plants.

What is a septic system?

A septic system is composed of a main outlet, a holding tank and a drainage field, or leach bed. The tank receives sewage from the building's plumbing system where it accumulates for a certain length of time until it is full enough to exit the outlet that empties into the drainage field. While the tank itself is normally impervious to tree root damage, the roots of certain species of trees can pose a serious threat to the proper functioning of the leach field.

How deep are septic systems?

Modern septic systems are likely to have no more than 2 feet of soil cover, making trees, such as oaks (Quercus sp.) with very deep taproot systems slightly less of a threat, as they naturally send their main roots along a fairly vertical path straight down into the soil. A factor that contributes to the invasion of tree roots into drainage systems is that the pipes used to construct leach fields are full of holes that provide easy access for any type of root. Generally made of PVC plastic, it doesn't take long before the pressure from expanding roots builds to the point where the pipes crack and split open. Roots continue to grow in and around the pipes, taking up space in the gravel bed where filtered effluents once drained. As the blockage worsens, sewage starts to back up and eventually the tank itself stops draining altogether.

What happens if a tree is planted too close to a septic system?

Tree roots naturally seek out the closest and most abundant source of water, which means that if a tree is planted too closely to a septic system, its roots will grow in the direction of the wet soil around it. Get the Best Mortgage Rate for You | SmartAsset.com. Loading.

Why do trees have roots?

The root system of any tree provides its primary way of absorbing water and nutrients from the soil. Not all tree roots grow in exactly the same way, and how that happens is governed by many factors, including what species the tree is, where it is growing, annual rainfall amounts and availability of water. Tree roots naturally seek out the closest and most abundant source of water, which means that if a tree is planted too closely to a septic system, its roots will grow in the direction of the wet soil around it.

How big do Japanese maple trees grow?

Certain smaller varieties of trees may not pose much of a threat to a septic system, and these include Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) and Amur Maple (Acer ginnala), two of several trees that grow to no more than 25 feet.

What is the best tree to grow in Tennessee?

The University of Tennessee Extension also recommends flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) as another good choice, as are smoke tree (Cotinus spp.) and Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis), low-growing species that produce modest root systems.

How far away should I keep redbud trees from a septic drainfield?

Redbud trees send out roots at least as far as the diameter of the tree canopy - that's around 15 feet for a mature tree. I'd keep such trees 20-30 feet away from a septic drainfield.

What kind of soil does Witch Hazel prefer?

From a review of horticultural information we learn that Witch Hazel (family Hamamelidaceae, of which there are multiple varieties and of which Hamamelis virginiana is particularly popular for yards) prefer well-drained soil, have a dense, coarse root system, and "... can take advantage of deep soils" as they use a branching taproot, but - from other sources - are basically a "surface rooting" plant.

How far away do redbud trees send out roots?

Patty,#N#Redbud trees send out roots at least as far as the diameter of the tree canopy - that's around 15 feet for a mature tree. I'd keep such trees 20-30 feet away from a septic drainfield.#N#The Redbud tree roots are in most texts as shallow but "opportunistic" - that means that a tap root that finds delicious sewage effluent will doubtless head that way.

How far away should I keep a Linden tree from a septic system?

I would keep a linden tree 100 feet from septic components. Linden trees grow to 89-90 feet in height, a size reflected as well in their very extensive root system, making the linden tree likely to invade septic systems if too close.

How deep are wintergreen roots?

Hetz Wintergreen Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Hetz Wintergreen') roots are shallow - 18-24" in depth typically. Keep the tree as far away as the expected diameter of the tree's canoply when it's mature - that's about 5 feet.#N#Point Sienna tree roots - I think you mean Poinciana trees - are trees to keep at a considerable distance from septic system components, because they can send out very long roots spreading horizontally at 4-10 feet PER YEAR, as well as sending their roots to depths of 10 feet or more!

How tall do sumac trees grow?

Sumac trees can have a far-reaching but shallow root system and can grow to a 10+ meter height. It's the "far reaching" that would make me worry about planting these within 10-20 meters of a septic field or soakbed. The roots may be tempted by the nutrients to invade the septic field piping.

How deep do Poinciana trees grow?

Point Sienna tree roots - I think you mean Poinciana trees - are trees to keep at a considerable distance from septic system components, because they can send out very long roots spreading horizontally at 4-10 feet PER YEAR, as well as sending their roots to depths of 10 feet or more!