How close to a drain 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.
What can I plant over septic drain 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 raised garden beds over septic 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.
Can you plant a flower garden over a septic field?
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 provide an oxygen exchange and help with evaporation in the drain field area. Plants also help control erosion.
Can you put anything on top of a leach field?
The best plants you can put on top of a septic drain or leach field are shallow-rooted herbaceous plants. These include perennials, bulbs, turf-grass, weeds, groundcovers, and more. A few examples are holly shrubs, boxwood shrubs, azalea shrubs, hollyhocks, wild violets, and spring bulbs.
Can you put pavers over a septic drain field?
Paving over the septic field for any reason, including creating a parking space, building a patio, or installing a tennis or basketball court is a bad idea.
Can you plant over a leach field?
In short – yes. And there are several reasons for this. Most compelling, perhaps, is the reason that planting on the septic drain field can help stabilise the area and reduce the possibility of the soil cover eroding.
Can you plant fruit trees over a septic field?
The short answer is it's better to keep fruits and vegetables away from septic systems, especially septic drainfields but above-ground crops such as fruit trees are less likely to be contaminated.
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!
Can you plant hydrangeas near septic system?
If you're insistent on growing trees and shrubs around your septic system, shallow-rooted kinds are best. Options include: dogwoods, Japanese maples, Eastern redbuds, cherry trees, hydrangeas, azaleas, boxwoods, holly, and dwarf tree varieties.
Can I plant pumpkins over a septic field?
Before you go getting the idea that you are going to be growing the biggest pumpkins in Fort Worth in your leach field, know that crops used for food should never be grown in a leach field. Potentially harmful bacteria could make its way into the vegetables or fruits and cause you to get sick if your eat them.
Which plants have shallow roots?
Shallow-Rooted PlantsCorn.Broccoli.Spinach.Cabbage.Lettuce.Kale.Chard.Onions.More items...•
Can you plant over a leach field?
In short – yes. And there are several reasons for this. Most compelling, perhaps, is the reason that planting on the septic drain field can help stabilise the area and reduce the possibility of the soil cover eroding.
Can you plant fruit trees over a septic field?
The short answer is it's better to keep fruits and vegetables away from septic systems, especially septic drainfields but above-ground crops such as fruit trees are less likely to be contaminated.
Can you put artificial grass over leach field?
Can Artificial Turf Be Safely Installed Over a Septic System Drain Field? Yes. You can pull the turf back, pull the base back, fix a water main or a septic tank, and put the base back and reinstall the turf.
How can I hide my septic mound?
How to Camouflage a Septic System Mound in the BackyardTaper the edges of the mound by bringing in additional soil and piling around the edges of the mound. ... Cover the mound and the adjoining berm with grass or a low, dense ground cover plant.More items...
Plants Safe to Grow Over Septic Tanks and Drain Fields
Do not become so paranoid over the potential of damage to septic systems caused by roots that you abstain from planting these areas altogether. Gro...
The Worst Plants to Grow Over Septic Systems
Generally, avoid planting large, fast-growing trees. But, in addition, some of the worst offenders are trees and shrubs with root systems that aggr...
The Basics of How Septic Systems Work
Once you acquire a basic grasp of what a septic tank is, what a septic drain field is, how a septic system works, and what its purpose is, you will...
It's A Good Idea to Be Careful When Planning A Septic Field Garden
It is primarily the drain field pipes that you have to worry about when planting around septic tanks. You do not want roots penetrating the perfora...
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...
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 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."
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.
What Can You Plant Over the Drainfield?
Their shallow roots also hold the soil in place during heavy rains, which helps guard against erosion. Turf grasses are the standard choice. Be careful not to plant tall grasses above your drainfield, as these have exceptionally deep and invasive roots. Perennials, annuals, and groundcover can safely be planted above your drainfield.
How deep should a septic drainfield be?
Depending on your system’s specific requirements, the drainfield pipes can be anywhere from 18 to 36 inches below the surface. Plants with woody root structures (most trees and shrubs) tend to grow much deeper than this.
Can you grow food over a drainfield?
We understand the appeal of transforming the lawn above your drainfield into a lush garden, but unfortunately, growing food over the drainfield is never a good idea for a handful of reasons. While a properly functioning septic system won’t necessarily contaminate the crops grown above the drainfield, there is no way to guarantee the soil (and your garden) is not contaminated. Unfortunately, with septic systems—even properly maintained septic systems—you don’t know there’s a problem until you know there’s a problem. Something breaks or malfunctions, and you don’t really notice until wastewater is backing up into your house or the drainfield is saturated with effluent. You don’t want illness from eating contaminated produce to be your signal that your septic system isn’t functioning correctly.
Is it safe to grow crops in a septic system?
Many of these are not safe for your septic system, let alone safe for human consumption.
Can you put raised beds over drainfield?
After all, this solves the problem of potential soil contamination from pathogens or household chemicals. Unfortunately, this is also not a recommended option.
Do septic plants need water?
In addition to paying attention to the root structure of the plants above and near the drainfield, septic owners also need to consider the water needs of landscaped plants. Plants the require frequent watering may saturate the drainfield and interfere with effluent evaporation. This is the main reason we recommend any landscaping around the septic system feature only plants native to Northeast Ohio whenever possible. Because native plants have evolved in our climate, they require less intervention (extra watering, chemical treatments, etc.) that may interfere with your septic system.
Why do plants grow down in septic tanks?
Vegetable plant roots grow down in search of nutrients and water, and they can easily meet wastewater. Pathogens, such as viruses , can infect people eating the plants. If possible, it is always wise to reserve the area over and near the septic field for ornamental plants and plant your vegetable garden somewhere else.
Can you grow vegetables in a septic tank?
Septic tank vegetable gardens are not recommended. Although a properly functioning septic system should not cause any problems, it is very hard to tell when the system is working 100 percent efficiently.
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 provide an oxygen exchange and help with evaporation in the drain field area.
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.
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.
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 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 ...
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 does a septic system work?
Septic systems are designed to break down organic waste from the home, separating the waste into liquids and solids. While the solid sludge that forms in the bottom of the tank needs to be pumped out at scheduled intervals, the wastewater can be treated and reused as irrigation for crops or simply released into a septic field that typically consists of perforated piping, set in gravel trenches, and buried about 1 to 2 feet underground.
Can a deck be installed over a septic field?
As noted above, structures are a bad idea for septic fields and can’t be installed in these locations. Many people try to figure out a way around this, suggesting floating decks, small sheds, and even simple gazebos to help block out the sun, but each of these additions pose a risk to the septic system. Decks are too heavy to be safely installed over a septic field; they also block access to the system while preventing the growth of grass and other beneficial vegetation that reduces the harmful effects of erosion.
Can you put a tennis court over a septic system?
Not only does the addition of concrete prevent the process of evapotranspiration, but it also adds a significant amount of weight that could cause the septic field pipes to collapse.
Can a septic field be used for play?
Kids can make great use of the open space provided by the septic field, so it may seem like a great idea to install a permanent or semiper manent play structure, but this can lead to all kinds of problems. Large play structures tend to be too heavy, putting pressure on the septic field and potentially bending or breaking the pipes that are only a foot or two under the ground.
Do septic fence posts support weight?
With the proper placement, the weight of the fence is fully supported by the posts so that it doesn’t cause undue stress to the septic system. Also, make sure that the system can still be accessed for maintenance when necessary.
Can an above ground pool cause a septic system to be clogged?
The pool doesn’t just block oxygen from reaching the septic pipes, halting evapotranspiration, but the weight of the pool, especially when it’s full, will likely crush the pipes and back up the entire septic system.
Can trees break septic pipes?
Trees, shrubs, flowers, and other plants with deep or expansive root systems can interfere with the functionality of the septic system and may even wrap around the septic field pipes, trapping the septic effluent and causing flooding. In particular, large tree roots are known for their widespread root systems that can break through rock, pavement, and even house foundations, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that these plants are capable of crushing the septic system pipes.
How does a septic tank drain?
As septic tank effluent drains out into the lines, it is filtered slowly through the soil, and beneficial soil microbes digest harmful bacteria and viruses. That means that near the lines, there is some amount of contamination, and the extent depends on the type of soil, the rate of absorption, and the quality of the system.
What can damage a septic system?
Tilling, digging, and foot traffic, which can damage the septic lines. Irrigation, which upsets the careful process of filtering and evaporation. Instead of vegetables, plant your septic leach field with shallow-rooted, drought-tolerant ornamental plants, grasses, or ground covers.
How can leafy vegetables be contaminated?
Leafy vegetables can be contaminated by water splashing up from the soil surface.
Why do plants help the environment?
In general, plants help the environment by absorbing and processing chemicals – which could end up in your vegetables. Root crops are more easily contaminated, and their roots can interfere with the drain lines.
Does water softener harm vegetables?
If you have a water-softener system, it will discharge brine (salt) into the system, which will harm salt-sensitive vegetables such as peppers and beans.
Can you plant vegetables in a septic tank?
The septic tank leach field is a tempting spot for a vegetable garden – it’s large, flat, and usually sunny. However, it is generally not recommended to plant vegetables in this area, for several reasons:
