What to Plant Over Septic Field?
- Wildflowers Easy-to-grow, minimum fuss wildflowers can liven up a septic tank area with bursts of different colors. ...
- Bulbs For a more formal-looking garden, plant bulbs in the septic tank field. ...
- Grasses If you prefer the look of a simple field, some ornamental grasses are good for septic tank areas and help with erosion control. ...
- Considerations ...
What kind of plants can you plant on a septic field?
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 annuals that will not damage or clog the septic pipes. It’s more difficult to plant trees and shrubs over a septic field than shallow-rooted plants.
Can you plant a septic tank drain field?
Sprucing up the land over a land over a septic tank system with carefully chosen plants not only gives character to a large, flat area it also benefits the soil. Plants with shallow root systems that can thrive in dry soil are ideal for septic tank drain fields.
What kind of mulch do you put on a septic field?
Keep the mulch layer to a minimum so as to not restrict evaporation of soil moisture. Selected Listing of Plants for Use on Septic Drain Fields Herbaceous plants, such as annuals, perennials, bulbs and ornamental grasses are generally the best choices for use on a septic drain field.
Can I plant fruit trees over my septic system?
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. Planting fruit trees, or vegetables (or anything else edible) over the septic drainfield might produce food that is unsafe to eat:
What can you put over a septic 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 put raised garden beds over 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.
What can you build on top of a septic field?
You Can Plant Vegetation That Benefits the System Common types of shallow-root vegetation that you can plant to help improve the aesthetic appeal of the septic field while benefiting the septic system include holly shrubs, boxwood shrubs, azalea shrubs, hollyhocks, wild violets, and spring bulbs.
Can you plant wildflowers over a 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 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.
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 you put pavers over a 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.
How much weight can be on top of a septic tank?
1 to 2 feet (0.3 to 0.6 m) of soil shall be over the top of the tank. No more than one axle or two wheels shall be over the tank at any one time. The minimum concrete strength will be 5,000 psi (35 MPa) compressive strength.
Can you put gravel over a septic field?
Pros and homeowners alike use gravel for septic systems and leach fields because of its ability to withstand heavy amounts of weight without getting crushed. This helps support your septic system and provides additional help during times of heavy flow.
Can you plant sunflowers 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 you plant milkweed over septic field?
If turf cannot be planted or is not desirable, herbaceous plants, such as fountain grass, iris, Agapanthus, milkweed (Figure 3), aster, plumbago, and pink Muhly grass, are great options to plant on or around the drain field.
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 far from a leach field should a garden be?
While there are no specific distance mandates on vegetable gardens and septic fields, staying 10 to 20 feet outside the perimeter of your septic system's drainage field is a safe bet for clean veggies and an effective septic system.
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 put gravel over a leach field?
Granite gravel is the best option for a leach field bed. The gravel amount depends on soil composition and septic system size. Leach field depth should be around 3 to 4 feet, depending on the size of your space.
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...
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.
Question
I am a Master Gardener in Virginia, but I’m helping a friend start to think about her garden for a new house she is building in Maine. Only the garage has been completed this year, with the main house to follow next year. Her driveway wraps around a center section, which is also her septic field.
Answer
It’s great that you’re using your Virginia Master Gardener Volunteer skills to help your friend!
What is the best plant for a septic field?
Shallow-Rooted Plants Are Best For Septic Fields. Shallow-rooted annuals and perennials are great choices for the soil absorption field. Annual grasses and flowers die back at frost, so most will not establish extensive roots that invade septic lines. Choose shallow-rooted annual plants that reseed easily, so you don’t need to replant ...
Why plant plants above a septic drain?
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. Soft, non-woody plants help contain the moisture around the septic field, while the tender plants allow easy access to components of your septic system.
What is a septic field?
A septic field processes human waste, which means bacteria and harmful disease organisms are present in the soil around your septic leach field. Produce from the area around your septic drain field is hazardous, since the veggies can be contaminated with the harmful microorganisms. If blackberry or other berry plants grow wild over your septic ...
What is the name of the plant that invades a septic system?
Some tree and shrub species need a lot of water to grow tall and sturdy. The trees or shrubs are called hydrophilic plants. Hydrophilic plants are the species most likely to invade your septic system in search of moisture.
How to avoid eating septic drains?
If you must touch vegetation or produce while maintaining the soil absorption field, wash your hands well with warm soapy water after touching the plant material.
How do plants anchor the soil in place?
Eroded areas may become areas where water pools or excessive soil washes away after every storm. Plants anchor the soil in place with their roots and weight. Plant roots absorb excess water from storms and keep soil from washing away.
Can you plant flowers in a septic drain?
Your soil absorption field plantings may be very attractive and worthy of display in vases. However, the flowers could harbor microorganisms you really don’t want in your home or on your patio.
What wildflowers grow in a septic tank?
The heath aster (Symphyotrichum ericoides ) grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 to10 and produces white flowers. The “Blue Star” cultivar has blue flowers with a yellow center and grows in USDA zones 3 to 9. Coneflowers (Echinacea) are faintly fragrant wildflowers with daisy-like blooms in bright colors. They grow in USDA zones 4 to 9 and include numerous cultivars in vibrant colors such as the Orange Meadowbrite Coneflower, a disease resistant orange flower with a dark center. Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia fulgida), with their yellow petals and dark centers, are also ideal wildflowers for septic fields. They grow in USDA zones 3 to 9.
What grass is good for a septic tank?
If you prefer the look of a simple field, some ornamental grasses are good for septic tank areas and help with erosion control. Native to the Midwest, Big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) is a tall grass with thin blades topped with spikes of purplish flowers. The grass grows in USDA zones 4 to 9.
Why do you spruce up land over a septic tank?
Sprucing up the land over a land over a septic tank system with carefully chosen plants not only gives character to a large, flat area it also benefits the soil. Plants with shallow root systems that can thrive in dry soil are ideal for septic tank drain fields. The plants help limit soil erosion and aid the drain system by expelling moisture from the soil.
What is the best wildflower for a septic system?
They grow in USDA zones 4 to 9 and include numerous cultivars in vibrant colors such as the Orange Meadowbrite Coneflower, a disease resistant orange flower with a dark center. Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia fulgida), with their yellow petals and dark centers, are also ideal wildflowers for septic fields.
Can you plant edibles in a septic tank?
Consequently, you should not plant edibles in a septic tank field including root crops and leafy vegetables. Contaminated water from the soil can splash onto vegetables and root crops can interfere with septic lines. Also, if you have a water softener system it will release salt into the water of your septic tank and harm salt-sensitive plants.
Is a septic tank field healthy?
Septic tank fields may appear to be healthy areas of land but there is the chance of contamination from effluent that slowly makes it way into soil. While some types of soil can filter bacteria such as clay, the land may contain harmful bacteria from waste and chemicals.
Can Dahlias grow in a septic tank?
For a more formal-looking garden, plant bulbs in the septic tank field. Shallow-rooted bulbs will not clog drain lines. Dahlias grow in USDA zones 7 to 10 and include numerous hybrids of colorful flowers on long stems in various shapes and sizes. Agapanthus can survive during long periods of little to no water.
How deep can a septic drainfield grow?
Watch out: the same source on another page points out that. Roots can grow 13 feet deep and the length of horizontal roots can increase up to 10 feet in a single season. Any plant that can send roots down 13 feet and creep horizontally 10 feet needs to be kept way more than 10 feet from the septic drainfield.
What causes a septic system to fail?
Planting the wrong things or in the wrong places can lead to the need for expensive septic system repairs. 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. Planting fruit trees, or vegetables (or anything else ...
How far down can sideoats grass roots go?
Sideoats Grama and Big Bluestem grasses can send roots down to as much as eight feet. Stay away from these. Watch out: whatever you are planting on or near a septic system, keep heavy equipment away from the septic tank and soakaway bed or leacfield. See DRIVING OVER SEPTIC SYSTEMS for details.
What would Mark I mow over the drainfield?
Mark I would mow small trees and other shrubs growing over the drainfield.
Can you drive over a septic system?
Bottom line is that you might get away with driving over the septic system. A lot depends on the weather conditions and soil conditions such as humidity or moisture and of course details about how the drain field was installed. If every trip over septic field destroyed it everyone will have figured out to never do that. However I certainly would not drive heavy equipment over a drain field. If there is no alternative than I would ask the contractor to put the insufficient plywood so it's just spread out the load and hope to not compact the soil and break pipes.
Can you plant flowers over a septic tank?
But when planning your planting arrangement for flowers over a septic tank, remember that if you plant valuable flowers too close to the access cover to a septic tank or distribution box, those plants may be damaged or destroyed when you have to excavate to open the tank or D-box cover.
Can milkweed be planted over septic?
I don't know if milkweed has been deliberately planted over septic fields but it certainly would volunteer to grow in such areas if given a chance. Let's both do some research to see what we can find on milkweed root depth as that will be a great answer to your question.
What is septic tank mix?
Septic tank mix, also known as prairie mix, is a mixture of native wildflowers and grasses. It is easy to plant from seed, and you will not need to use topsoil for this covering. It is highly recommended for this purpose because it takes in the excess water from the mound and the root systems in this mixture are very short. You will find this mixture at any store that sells flowers. It is easy to grow and literally no maintenance.
Can you plant flowers on a drain field?
Be sure that you do not plant fruits or vegetables in these containers though. Fruits and vegetables cannot be consumed if planted on a drain field because they will be contamina ted.
Can ornamental grass grow in a septic tank?
Because they also grow out a little and spread but do not grow deep. Their root systems are acceptable for a septic tank drain field. Its easiest to buy a small container ornamental grass from your garden center and plant it directly into the ground.
Can you cover a septic drain field?
Written by Doityourself Staff. on Feb 11, 2010. A septic tank drain field can be tough to cover with any type of plants and flowers. You must take care not to plant anything on or near the mound that has roots that will grow down into your septic system and cause damage. You can, however, cover the field if you use acceptable plants and flowers.
Can you plant poppies in a septic tank?
Perennial flowers such as day lilies or poppies can be successful planted on your septic tank field. You will need to put down topsoil of approximately 6 inches before planting. Also, you will need to add mulch around the flowers to be sure the soil is not exposed. Planting the flowers close together will help not have to use very much mulch. Keep in mind that you may have to access the septic tank at some point, so you may want to plant your valuable flowers in another area so you do not lose them.
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 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.
What Ground Cover is Acceptable for Planting over Septic Systems?
Plants that are light in weight, not so dense as to block soil moisture evaporation, and that do not grow large, such as into trees, and that use a shallow root system that is not likely to reach the depth of the top of the drainfield trenches and that are not producing edible food are fine over a septic drainfield.
What happens if a plant is too close to a septic system?
Invasive roots of plants too close to the septic system can invade and clog system piping, leading to costly septic field repairs.
What does it mean when a septic system is evaporated?
Over a septic system this means that the portion of effluent disposal that is supposed to be occurring due to evaporation will be reduced and the liquid load on surrounding soils increased - you've cut the effectiveness and shortened the life of the drainfield by such plantings .
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.
Why can't I recommend specific plants?
I can't recommend specific plants partly because it's not my expertise and partly because it would be risky to recommend something without inspecting and testing the soil in the area you describe.
Can you eat fruit trees in a septic drainfield?
Possible sewage pathogens that may enter and contaminate edible fruits or vegetables grown on or too close to septic fields. Planting fruit trees, or vegetables (or anything else edible) over the septic drainfield might produce food that is unsafe to eat: see SEWAGE CONTAMINANTS in FRUIT / VEGETABLES for details.
Does dense vegetation help with soil moisture?
Thick dense vegetation of any sort will conserve moisture to itself and will prevent soil transpiration. Planting so dense that it will interfere with soil moisture evaporation / transpiration (one of the steps in disposing of septic effluent). Over a septic system this means that the portion of effluent disposal that is supposed ...