Landscaping Ideas Around Septic Tank Areas
- 1. Plant herbaceous groundcover Native, shallow-rooted, drought-tolerant plants are the best choices for planting around septic tanks and over drainage fields. ...
- 2. Feed the bees Consider turning the area around your septic tank into a wildflower meadow or pollinator garden. ...
- 3. Choose woody plants carefully ...
- 4. Mark (and disguise!) the access hatch ...
- 5. Prepare and maintain ...
- 6. Put vegetables somewhere else ...
How close to a septic tank can I plant a garden?
Plants with shallow root systems can be planted right on the drainage field, while trees with deeper root systems should be planted at least 15 meters away. Have any questions about how to design the perfect garden around your septic tank?
How to plant shrubs near septic drain lines?
Draw a landscaping plan to lay out the location of the shrubs. Plant shrubs near the end of septic drain lines where the soil is drier or at least 10 feet away from the septic tank and septic field lines. 5. Plant shrubs at the base or on the side slopes of septic mounds, keeping plants at least 10 feet from the septic lines.
How do you plant around septic mounds?
Plant shrubs at the base or on the side slopes of septic mounds, keeping plants at least 10 feet from the septic lines. Bushes planted downhill absorb extra water to help prevent soil erosion on the mounds. Septic mounds may be used when there is a high water table, over porous bedrock or when soil permeability is slow or fast.
Can I plant above ground crops near 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.
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How close to septic can I plant?
As we mentioned in our previous blog, any trees or shrubs that you plant should be planted as far from the your septic system as they are tall. So a tree that reaches 30 feet in maturity will need to be planted at least 30 feet away from your septic system.
What can you plant around a septic system?
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.
How can I hide my 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...•
What can I plant over a septic drain field?
The go-to plants for your septic drain field will be herbaceous plants like annuals, perennials (including bulbs) and ornamental grasses. The advantage of ornamental grasses is their fibrous root system, which will hold soil in place and offer ground cover all year round.
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.
Which flowers have shallow roots?
14 Plants For Shallow Soil And Shade That You Should TryPeriwinkle. Over 30 different varieties of this plant exist, showing off different types of foliage and bloom color. ... Pachysandra. Five different species of this evergreen perennial make up this genus. ... Hostas. ... Rhododendrons. ... Hydrangeas. ... English Ivy. ... Aspidistra. ... Liriope.More items...•
Is it OK to cover septic tank lids?
If You Have a Traditional Septic System That means that the septic lids should be accessible every 3-5 years. You can use almost any temporary, movable objects to cover your lids, like: Mulch (but not landscaping) Pea gravel.
Can you put a fire pit on top of a septic field?
A fire pit directly on the field increases the chances of melting the drain pipes underneath, but a fire pit that stands on legs would eliminate that and still allow you to make the most of your limited space. That said, compaction is one other possible problem of which to be aware.
Can you plant grass over a leach field?
Although turf grass is the typical choice, a variety of other herbaceous perennials, annuals and groundcovers can be safely and effectively planted. Vegetable gardening over a leach field is not recommended.
Can I plant a garden over my septic field?
Septic system disposal fields are designed to treat, or renovate, this wastewater. 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.
What is the best grass to plant over septic field?
Let tall fescue grass, Kentucky bluegrass, or other lawn grass (including ornamental grass) grow over the patch of land covering the septic tank. Consider planting perennials. Grasses and perennials both have a shallow root system that should do no harm to your tank or drain field.
Can you put pavers over a septic drain field?
Can You Put Pavers Over A Septic Tank? Pavers are not permitted on top of a septic tank, and doing so may be in violation of your state or local building codes. Septic tanks can bear very little weight without being damaged, and you'll also need access to the tank in the future.
Can you put plants in a septic field?
Plants can help your septic leach field function optimally by removing excess moisture and nutrients from the soil. Additionally, plant cover is essential to reduce soil erosion. At a minimum, the leach field should be turfed to provide these important benefits.
Can you plant a vegetable garden over a septic field?
Septic system disposal fields are designed to treat, or renovate, this wastewater. 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.
How do you landscape a septic mound?
Direct all surface drainage away from the septic system. Use shallow-rooted plants (see plant list above). Tree and shrub roots can grow into the drainlines, clogging and breaking them. Avoid water-loving plants and trees.
What can you plant near sewer pipes?
The best trees to plant around your sewerage system include shallow-rooted trees and shrubs:Cherry trees.Japanese maple trees are among one of the few maple trees that are likely to cause less damage.Eastern redbud trees.Dogwood trees.Holly shrubs.Boxwood shrubs.
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...
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 plant a shrub in a septic system?
Plant shrubs at the base or on the side slopes of septic mounds, keeping plants at least 10 feet from the septic lines. Bushes planted downhill absorb extra water to help prevent soil erosion on the mounds. Septic mounds may be used when there is a high water table, over porous bedrock or when soil permeability is slow or fast.
How to locate a septic tank?
Map out the location and depth of the septic tank and drainage field; draw a scale drawing of the landscape on graph paper to help plan the landscape design. In some cases, the septic tank location is obvious, such as where the lawn is soggy or there is a raised septic mound. If you need help locating the septic tank, refer to your home's blueprints, if available, or check with the home's previous owners or your town's zoning office.
Why select smaller shrubs?
Select smaller instead of larger shrubs, because the root systems of larger shrubs are generally more extensive than those of larger ones. Smaller shrubs are less likely to disturb septic pipes.
Do shrubs need water?
Choose shrubs that don't require a lot of water or that are fairly drought tolerant. Water-loving plant roots can grow deep into the ground in search of moisture. The septic tank and septic field are high-moisture environments, so the roots can entangle in the pipes or even break them. Some shrubs that like water, such as boxwood, holly and rhododendron species, have fibrous roots that are less likely to disturb pipes than other, more aggressive shrubs.
Can you plant plants near a septic tank?
While some believe that you can't plant near septic tanks, it is possible to landscape this area when you choose plants that won't grow to interfere with the underground pipes.
Do you need to water a shrub?
Avoid watering the shrubs except when necessary, especially if you have a septic mound, because this contributes to erosion of the soil on the mound. If you chose drought-tolerant shrubs, the plants should receive sufficient water from rainfall.
Where did Amelia Allonsy get her bachelors degree?
She received her Bachelor's degree from West Virginia University. Her work has been published in the San Francisco Chronicle and on other websites.
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.
What prevents proper drainage from tank to leach field?
Put down plastic sheeting or install ponds. These features prevent proper drainage from tank to leach field.
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. Weeping willow trees.
How to get new plants to grow faster?
Over-water your lawn to get newly planted vegetation growing faster. Overwatering can compact soil over your leach field and case the septic system to get backed up. Grow any root vegetables in the area of your system. These nutrient-absorbing plants may have issues with bacteria if placed too close.
How to prevent erosion of plants?
This prevents plant roots from searching out water and messing with your system. Try shallow-rooted herbaceous plants like flowers and ground cover. Space your plants fairly close to each other to control erosion when planting quarts, gallons or plugs.
Can grass damage a septic tank?
Get so worried about plants/grasses damaging your septic tank that you leave the area barren. Some grasses and plants are great at absorbing excess moisture around the drain field and helping prevent issues from over-watering. Over-water your lawn to get newly planted vegetation growing faster.
Can you eat food in a drain field?
It is not safe to eat food crops grown in the ground around a dra in field because eating them might entail ingesting harmful bacteria. If you must grow trees and shrubs, shallow-rooted kinds are better to grow around septic tank drain fields. Shallow-rooted trees and shrubs include: Dogwood trees. Japanese maple trees.
How deep should I plant a septic tank?
A septic tank is generally installed about 0.6 to 0.9 meters underground, meaning you do not want the root systems of your small plants or shrubs to extend below this depth. The best plants to use near drainage fields are flowers, grasses, and small groundcovers that will not grow deep enough to disrupt the pipeline of your septic tank.
Why do trees grow in the direction of septic systems?
This is because the root system provides a tree’s primary way of absorbing water, and those roots will extend toward the most abundant source of water in your yard. This means that if a tree is planted too close to a septic system, its roots will grow in the direction of the wet drainage field around it. Trees with smaller, less complex root ...
What is a septic tank?
Your septic tank is made up of a main outlet, a holding tank and a drainage field. The tank receives wastewater from your home plumbing system where it collects for a certain length of time until it exits the outlet and empties into the drainage field. There are certain plants that will fare better on or around your drainage field.
Can I plant trees near a septic tank?
DON’T plant trees too close to your septic system. While Ri-Industries septic tanks are made from 40 MPa concrete, and the engineer-designed tanks are built to withstand anything, contractors generally believe that no tree is safe to plant too close to a septic system.
Do shrubs need water?
DO use shrubs that don’t require a lot of water, or are drought tolerant. Hydrophilic (water friendly) plants will grow deep into the ground, searching for moisture. The root system of water-loving shrubs can become entangled in the pipes of your septic system if planted too close to your drainage field, and cause problematic clogging.
1. Understand How a Septic System Functions
When it comes to landscaping ideas around septic tank areas, you first need to understand the basics of what the system does. A septic tank separates solids from liquids. The wastewater flows from the tank into a series of drain lines that allow the water to slowly percolate down through the soil in the drain field.
2. Protect Your Septic Drain Field
Locate your septic tank and drain field. Make sure the area is clear of:
3. Properly Landscape on Septic System Drain Fields
Soil erosion can leave the drain field more vulnerable to damage. One of the best reasons for planting on a septic field is that it helps stabilize the area and mitigates any soil erosion. In addition, plants optimize oxygen exchange and remove excess soil moisture.
4. Choose Correct Plantings for Septic Areas
The key to landscaping ideas around septic tank areas is to select plants that do a great job in meeting landscaping needs while minimizing threats to the drain field. Lawn grass is one of the best ground covers for a drain field. Avoid certain types of vegetation with aggressive root systems that pose a threat to the drain pipes.
Recommended Types of Plants in California
As a general rule, California native plants and native grasses are some of the best choices for your septic system.
5. Avoid The Wrong Plants Around A Septic System
Large shrubs and plants with woody stems are more likely to damage drain fields with their root systems. Do not plant large trees with aggressive root systems near a septic system. This includes willow trees, maple trees, beech trees, birches, poplars, and elms.
What to plant over a septic tank?
Select drought-resistant perennials if you want to plant any vegetation other than grass over your septic tank.
How to keep animals out of septic tank?
You can discourage grazing over your septic tank in a variety of ways. You can place fencing or landscaping features around your septic tank area to keep animals out. You can also use animal repellents around your drain field that keep animals away by giving off unpleasant noises or smells. 5. Prevention of Vehicle or Foot Traffic.
What happens if you graze over a septic tank?
Animals grazing over your septic tank and drain field can cause damage to your system. Grazing animals eat away protective vegetation over your drain field and expose components of your septic system. If you live in an area with a lot of wildlife, take precautions to prevent grazing above your septic tank.
What trees can damage a septic system?
A few examples of such trees are bamboo, cypress, pine, poplar, and elm trees. 4. Prevention of Grazing. Animals grazing over your septic tank and drain field can cause damage to your system.
Can you cover up a septic port?
Location of Access Port. While you may want to disguise the access port of your septic tank with your landscaping, you must not cover it up completely. You need to know where the access port is for septic tank cleanings and service. One way to disguise your access port without completely hiding it is using a landscaping feature such as ...
Can you landscape around a septic tank?
6 Things to Know About Landscaping Around Your Septic Tank. You probably already knew that putting certain substances like paint and grease into your septic system could cause damage to your septic tank. However, you may not know that you can also damage your septic system through certain landscaping practices.
Can foot traffic damage a septic tank?
Foot traffic can damage a septic tank in addition to vehicle traffic. Don't place pathways for foot traffic up above your septic tank. Instead, divert foot traffic around the area wherever possible. 6. Placement of Architectural Features.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
