Can you plant a garden over a septic tank?
Gardening over septic tanks is not only permissible but also beneficial in some instances. Planting ornamental plants on septic drain fields provide an oxygen exchange and help with evaporation in the drain field area. Plants also help control erosion.
Can I plant near a septic leach field?
Because of the possibility of bacteria in the soil, only grass, shallow-rooted flowers, bulbs and meadow grasses are planted directly over the septic system. You should never plant fruits or vegetables on or near a leach field. Locate the septic tank and leach lines as indicated on the septic plot plan filed with the local building department.
What are the risks of planting over a septic field?
Root vegetables and low-growing leafy greens are most at risk for contamination with human pathogens, such as E. coli, which you could end up eating. Wash any garden vegetables thoroughly before eating them. Wear garden gloves to protect your hands from contaminants whenever you work in any type of planting over a septic field.
Is it safe to grow food around a septic field?
It is not safe to eat food crops grown in the ground around a drain field because eating them might entail ingesting harmful bacteria. 2 If you must grow trees and shrubs, shallow-rooted kinds are better to grow around septic tank drain fields.
How close to a septic field can you plant a garden?
10 feetAccording to Marvin Dixon at the Madison County Health Department, gardening on a septic system can damage components and lead to erosion in that area. He recommends gardening no closer than 10 feet from the drainfield.
Can you put a raised garden over a leach field?
Unfortunately, placing raised beds over the drainage area isn't a good solution either. The added soil depth of the beds may inhibit evaporation and limit the effectiveness of the septic system.
What can you plant on a septic field?
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 you put a patio over a septic field?
A common question homeowners ask when building a patio is, “can you build a patio over a septic field?” The answer to this question is no. The reason for this is that the weight of the concrete in the foundation will cause too much pressure on your septic system and can lead to flooding or a damaged septic tank.
Can you put anything on top of a leach field?
Put plastic sheets, bark, gravel or other fill over the drainfield. Reshape or fill the ground surface over the drainfield and reserve area. However, just adding topsoil is generally OK if it isn't more than a couple of inches. Make ponds on or near the septic system and the reserve area.
Can you plant fruit trees over a septic field?
Distance is key when planning the area for planting fruit trees. Inspectapedia recommends planting trees at least as far away from a septic system as the maximum height of the mature tree. However, the nutrients from the septic leakage could influence tree roots to grow farther than you'd expect.
Can you put a vegetable garden over a septic field?
The most important reason you should not install a vegetable garden on top of, or right next to, a septic system disposal field is because the plants can become contaminated by wastewater that has not yet been renovated by the field. Plants on disposal fields can absorb wastewater pathogens.
Can I plant wildflowers over septic field?
Native wildflowers and grasses are the best possible cover for a drain field. They have fibrous roots which will help hold the soil and permit the plants to take up some moisture from the drain field, but will not have woody roots like shrubs and trees.
Can I put dirt over my drain field?
Do not add additional soil, as it will interfere with the evaporation of excess water from the field. The only exception is if rainwater is puddling over the drain field. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln recommends adding a little soil to shallow depressions to discourage puddles.
Can you put pavers over septic drain field?
You can't build a paver patio on top of a septic tank, and doing so could be against the planning laws of your state or local area. Septic tanks can take very little weight without getting damaged, and you'll also need access to the tank in the future too. You shouldn't build a deck on one either.
Can I build a deck over a septic field?
It is usually not a good idea to build a deck near or on top of a septic tank. Most zoning ordinances will require that you maintain at least a 5' setback from an underground septic system. Installing frost footings and applying deck loads over a septic tank could result in damaging the tank or waste lines.
Can you pour concrete over a septic field?
You should never pave over your septic tank. Although soil compaction is not a major issue for septic tanks, there are other dangers presented by placing an insecure septic tank underneath concrete and heavy vehicles. Certain materials and structures must be used to make it safe to pave over septic tanks.
Can you put a greenhouse over a leach field?
A greenhouse can be erected on a septic field to grow certain types of plants. The greenhouse should not have permanent foundations, which could easily damage the septic system. Do not plant directly into the ground over a septic field, as the plants could absorb contaminants released by the system.
Can you add dirt on top of leach field?
Do not add additional soil, as it will interfere with the evaporation of excess water from the field. The only exception is if rainwater is puddling over the drain field. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln recommends adding a little soil to shallow depressions to discourage puddles.
How deep are leach field lines?
A standard leach line is considered to be three (3) feet wide and three (3) feet deep with a length as required.
Can A Garden Be Planted Over A Septic Tank?
Gardening over septic tanks is not only permissible but also beneficial in some instances. Planting ornamental plants on septic drain fields provid...
Best Plants For Septic Field Garden
The best plants for a septic field garden are herbaceous, shallow-rooted plants such as the grasses mentioned above and other perennials and annual...
Vegetable Garden Over Septic Tank Areas
Septic tank vegetable gardens are not recommended. Although a properly functioning septic system should not cause any problems, it is very hard to...
Septic System Gardening Info
It is always best to gather as much information about your particular septic system before you plant anything. Talk to the home builder or whoever...
Can you plant flowers over a septic tank?
That being said, don’t get to attached to any landscaping, in case you need a septic repair or new septic system installed, which might require removing plants over the tank.
Is it bad to plant vegetables in a septic system?
Septic fields are generally considered a bad place to plant a vegetable garden. If you must grow food over your drain field, opt for fruiting crops such as tomatoes or cucumbers that you can train to grow off the ground. Ground growing plants could become contaminated by splashing soil.
Why do you need plants in a septic system?
The plants' roots absorb water from the soil over the septic field . Some of that water is released into the air by the plants' leaves in a process called transpiration. The plants use the nutrients from the wastewater to grow, making it unnecessary to fertilize. The plants' roots also help prevent erosion.
How do plants help a septic system?
The plants' roots absorb water from the soil over the septic field. Some of that water is released into the air by the plants' leaves in a process called transpiration. The plants use the nutrients from the wastewater to grow, making it unnecessary to fertilize. The plants' roots also help prevent erosion.
What is a leach field?
The leach field is a series of perforated pipes laid on to an 18- to 36-inch-wide bed of gravel. Gravel also covers the pipes. A geotextile fabric lies over the gravel and then at least 6 inches of soil on top completes the leach field. Waste flows into the septic tank, which may have one or two compartments.
How to protect yourself from septic leach lines?
When working around the septic field, be sure to put on gloves, safety glasses and a mask to protect yourself from bacteria and pathogens. Wash up with soap and water and wash all your clothing in hot water and detergent after working among the leach lines. You aren't limited to wildflowers and grasses.
What is a septic system?
A septic system safely disposes of waste from the bathroom and kitchen. The two main parts are a septic tank, where the solids settle, and a septic or leach field, where the liquids are safely disbursed into the soil. The leach field is a series of perforated pipes laid on to an 18- to 36-inch-wide bed of gravel. Gravel also covers the pipes.
How does a septic tank work?
Waste flows into the septic tank, which may have one or two compartments. The solids settle to the bottom while bacteria and microbes work to partially decompose the waste. When more liquids enter the tank, the excess is pushed out into the leach lines. Depending on the size of your house and local regulations, a leach field may contain four or more lines and extend up to 100 feet.
When do perennials die in a septic system?
Herbaceous perennials die back in winter and reappear when spring arrives. Treat the septic field like a garden bed, with a careful selection of plants starting small nearest the house and rising to the tallest on the far side of the leach lines.
How does a septic system work?
Understanding how a septic system functions is essential to making sound decisions about how to best landscape over the drain field. A standard septic tank will separate solids from liquids. The liquid effluent, or wastewater, will then flow from the tank into a series of drain lines that allow the effluent to slowly percolate down through ...
Why plant over a drain field?
Perhaps the most compelling argument for planting into the drain field would be to mitigate any erosion of the soil over the drain field.
How deep are septic drains?
A typical septic drain field (see Figure 1), also known as a leach field, is a series of perforated pipes that are set in trenches and buried with aggregates (½- to 2½-inch gravel or ½- to 4-inch rubber chips) and soil. These drain lines are at a minimum depth of 6 inches and are typically 18 to 36 inches wide. The individual drain lines will usually be 8½ to 10 feet apart (see Figure 2). It is important to note here that each drain field system will vary from the next. It is important that the homeowner have a detailed layout of their system (giving the locations and dimensions of individual components) for their reference.
How to keep moisture from flowing over drain field?
This can be accomplished by diverting runoff from a roof or driveway away from the drain field, and making sure that irrigation systems do not add excessive moisture.
How deep are drain lines?
These drain lines are at a minimum depth of 6 inches and are typically 18 to 36 inches wide. The individual drain lines will usually be 8½ to 10 feet apart (see Figure 2). It is important to note here that each drain field system will vary from the next.
What are the most common trees that are damaging drain fields?
Trees with very aggressive root systems that should be avoided include willows, red and silver maples , beeches, birches, elms and poplars. Some trees with less aggressive root systems include cherries, crabapples, dogwoods, hemlock and oaks. To reduce the associated financial risk and emotional stress of a failed system, plant trees at least as far away as their estimated root spread at maturity. There are two methods used to estimate tree root spread. One rule of thumb is that roots extend out from the tree two to four times the diameter of the canopy. Another is that tree roots spread out one to three times the height of the tree. These estimates should be considered a bare minimum, and to reduce the risk, the trees should be planted even further away from the drain field.
What are the plants that drain in South Carolina?
Shallow-rooted herbaceous plants refer to flowering annuals and perennials (including bulbs), turfgrass, weeds and many groundcovers. As previously mentioned, these plants are unlikely to clog and damage drain lines. Many of our native grasses in South Carolina as well as non-native grasses are well suited for use in a drain field planting. Just remember that larger plants typically have larger root systems, so tall grasses like Miscanthus spp. or pampas grass are definitely not recommended for use in this instance. Mixes of wildflowers, bulbs and grasses provide a suitable, attractive vegetative cover.
How to avoid contamination of septic system?
Whenever possible, plant your garden uphill from the septic system to avoid contamination if the system fails. Wear gloves, safety glasses and a dust mask when working on and around leach lines. Wash all clothing and tools carefully to avoid contamination by potentially hazardous bacteria.
How to locate a septic tank?
Locate the septic tank and leach lines as indicated on the septic plot plan filed with the local building department. Measure and mark the perimeter with landscaper's spray paint. While new construction requires a plot plan, older homes may not have any documents available to indicate the location of the septic tank and leach lines.
How far away is a septic tank from a house?
Generally, the septic tank is located approximately 10 to 15 feet downhill from the house.
How to find a gravel drain field?
Probe with a metal rod, pushing it gently into the ground to locate the gravel drain field. The leach lines usually are 6 to 18 inches below the surface of the soil. Work your way out and away from the house. As you find the perimeter of the drain field, mark it with landscaper's spray paint.
Do country homes have a septic system?
For example, most country homes require a septic system for disposal of sewage. While septic systems are fairly efficient, the leach field is an essential element in processing and dispersing the waste water. Because of the possibility of bacteria in the soil, only grass, shallow-rooted flowers, bulbs and meadow grasses are planted directly ...
Who can find the location of a septic system?
The local plumber or septic system pumping company may have records indicating the location of your septic system.
Can you plant flowers in a septic system?
Because of the possibility of bacteria in the soil, only grass, shallow-rooted flowers, bulbs and meadow grasses are planted directly over the septic system. You should never plant fruits or vegetables on or near a leach field.
What happens if you plant a septic system in the wrong place?
Planting the wrong things or in the wrong places can lead to the need for expensive septic system repairs.
What crops can be planted over a septic system?
Above ground crops that grow on a raised vine such as cucumbers, tomatoes, or peppers may fare better if they must be planted over or close to septic system components, since they are higher up and less likely to be contaminated by soil splash-up.
Why do trees die in septic systems?
The problem is not usually that the tree plant or shrub near the septic dies but rather that the nutrients in a septic effluent are so delicious to the tree planter shrub that it grows like crazy and sends roots that invade and damage septic system.
How long does it take for sewage to break down in a latrine pit?
In that case the answer could be a decade or more.
What does "opposite side" mean in a garden tank?
You mean opposite side of the tank from the side of the tank connected to the leach field. Probably ok provided there's no sewage leak or backup near the garden beds.
Does biomat work in septic systems?
The effectiveness with which the soil biomat is treating pathogens in septic effluent, the ability of the soil to filter effluent, the chemicals or salts entering the septic system, and the type of plants placed over or near the system are some of the factors that lead to answers to these questions. [The photograph above shows our vegetable garden ...
When was the juxtaposition of field crops to a septic absorption field in Germany?
The page top photo shows the author inspecting the juxtaposition of field crops to a septic absorption field in Germany in 1968.
