All of the parts of this carefully tuned system must be functioning properly or else the result is a mess (and a costly one). Irrigation systems and water features should be located at least ten feet from the edge of your system. Downloading, republication, retransmission or reproduction of content on this website is strictly prohibited. Root vegetables can penetrate your drain lines, while leafy vegetables may get soil splashed on the leaves from rain or irrigation. Limit traffic over the system to reduce soil compaction. OPE Reviews publishes in-depth reviews and industry tool news centering around the outdoor power equipment industry. Your email address will not be published. Grow any root vegetables in the area of your system. Table 1: Shallow rooted native plants appropriate for landscaping septic systems. vehicles never drive over the area where your septic tank is located. Having chosen low-maintenance plants according to the tips above, you shouldnt have much to do around the septic system once the plants have become established. Their shallow root systems are less likely to invade the underground system and cause it damage. Sometimes you lose track of just how much topsoil you have above your leach field. In areas that lack sewer systems, septic systems serve aswastewater treatment facilities. The drain field typically consists ofa number of perforated PVC pipes laid in underground trenches. Unsure of where your Know where your tank, drainfield and reserve areas are located system is? Flowering annuals and perennials are a good idea, just avoid plants with woody stems. Properly landscaping around septic tank areas benefits the septic system and makes the area far more attractive. The optimal performance of your septic system should be the foremost consideration, but a cost/benefit analysis of using certain plants will have to be considered by each homeowner on an individual basis. landscaping should be designed and your yard laid out so that Copyright 2008-2022 Pro Tool Reviews, LLC. Access ports for older tanks are usually buried six inches to two feet and are difficult to locate when it comes time to pump. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. Most grass types are fine, but youll want to make sure that its easy to take care of with regular, light mowing. A tiered planter box or bench can camouflage these ports and can be easily moved to allow service. septic tank system landscape As for what you can plant over your septic tank and drain field, grasses (including ornamental grasses) often work best. The roots of water-craving plants grow down to pipes This process removes most of the harmful bacteria present before it can reach groundwater. Characteristics of Potentially Damaging Trees. But septic field landscaping must be done with care to avoid damaging the system. Reviews of landscaping tools and outdoor power equipment. The more foot traffic, the more soil becomes compacted. Direct downspouts and other surface water runoff away from your system. Select It is primarily the drain field pipes that you have to worry about when planting around septic tanks. OPE Reviews is written by landscaping professionals, tree care Pros, heavy equipment operators, and general contractors If you work with trees, outdoor power equipment, or you drive heavy machinery, youre going to relate to our writers (and youll want to read more and more). The solids sink to the bottom. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "protoorev-20"; You Plant shrubs or trees on the septic system. The Effect of Soil on Human Health: An Overview.European Journal of Soil Science. septic tank trees near plant safe around landscaping planting davey tree system Ideally, youll want to keep the maintenance to a minimum. The DeWalt 20V Max cordless backpack sprayer is one of many products that use [], It seems like Ive spent an inordinate amount of time cutting grass lately.

For ideas on some appropriate native plants, see Table 1. Well designed, property installed and regularly maintained septic systems can last for many years. Im mostly just happy that my lawn equipment works as advertised. Plants can help to prevent erosion and suck up excess moisture from the drain field. of septic tank damage. Is there anything you would add to my list? Your email address will not be published. As long as you carefully select the landscaping for near your septic system, you do not have to overly stress about the potential of damage to septic systems caused by roots that you abstain from planting these areas altogether. septic tank fake rocks covers landscaping solution cheesy wonder hiding conditioners air cams usa rock Regular maintenance is a part of keeping your septic system working and is easier when components are well marked and easily located. Some For the same reason, small, non-woodyground covers are a good choice. You need to With the tips above in mind, you can install a beautiful, low-maintenance garden where there used to be only an unsightly septic field and access hatch. The roots might go deeper than you want. you add architectural features to your landscaping, make sure that While most flowering plants will attract pollinators, flowers native to your region will provide the best, most natural habitat. You do not want roots penetrating the perforations and gumming up the works. Over-water your lawn to get newly planted vegetation growing faster. Although a properly functioning septic system should not add disease causing organisms into the soil, it is difficult to judge how well the system works since that depends on many factors. deeply. However, certain guidelines should be followed to avoid costly and unpleasant experiences. of vegetation You can place fencing or landscaping features around your septic tank Learn A pipe brings the wastewater from the toilets, showers, sinks, and washing machine out of your home and stores it in the septic tank, which is an underground, watertight receptacle.

Fixing root damage can be costly. In todays world of Internet news and online content, we began to inquire and found that more and more professionals were researching a majority of their major tool purchases online. Placing swimming pools, patios, and large trees nearby can eventually ruin your day. Terry Koper septic You Alot, apparently. type of traffic above your septic tank is problematic. Keep vehicles larger than a riding mower off the drainfield to avoid soil compaction and damage to the leach lines. following are six things to know about landscaping around your septic However, if you go through gallons of pesticide or weed killer on a regular basis, you likely want something less mechanical. Occasionally, my brain [], DeWalt Zero-Turn Mower Line Targets Professional Landscapers Having released an extensive line of battery-powered outdoor equipment products, what does DeWalt intend with regard to gas products? Its important to keep soil erosion in mind, as well as to understand the septic drain field. Remember that tree roots can grow two to four times wider than the canopy, so those with aggressive root systems should be planted well away from the septic field. These tend to be more drought-resistant. Plus, vegetable gardens require frequent maintenance that could damage a septic system, and raised bed gardens can reduce evaporation, which is important for the septic system to work properly. Raised garden beds present an alternative here, but again, this might not be the best idea. bamboo, cypress, pine, poplar, and elm trees. After all, the prevailing and common wisdom is that you should really avoid both building and major landscaping around a septic system. These materials reduce air exchange while bark and mulch also retain excess moisture. can You Certain trees and shrubs can cause damagewith their aggressive roots when planted around septic tanks and drain fields. If you really want to work some landscaping around a septic system, choose plants that are known for their shallow root systems. If you choose to allow animals to graze the drainfield area, you risk decreasing the effectiveness of you septic drainfield. Gardens. Grass provides ideal year-round cover for drainfields. grease into your septic system could cause damage to your septic Conversely, if the access hatch is not visible, marking it will make any required septic maintenance easier and minimize the destruction of your beautiful landscaping. The flat, open septic field might look like the perfect place for a vegetable garden, but it definitely is not! Plants with extensive roots can grow down into the septic system and damage it.

But, in addition, some of the worst offenders are trees and shrubs with root systems that aggressively seek out sources of water. Extension programs are available to all without discrimination. What Size String Trimmer Line Should You Use? probably already knew that putting certain substances like paint and Adequate access to the of your septic tank and components of the septic system is also critical for maintenance and drainfield before starting. They aren't fussy about the water source they tap into, meaning the pipes in your septic tank drain field are very much fair game. At West Coast Sanitation, we know that you do not have time to deal with septic problems. The last thing you really want is for a network of roots to wind their way into your system and infiltrate your pipes or tank. So a specimen 50 feet tall at maturity should stand at least 50 feet away. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. system through certain landscaping practices. Your septic system requires regular maintenance. Landscaping Your Drainfield WSU Island County Extension. With the tips above in mind, you can install a beautiful, low-maintenance garden where there used to be only an unsightly septic field and access hatch. drought-resistant perennials if you want to plant any vegetation Best Battery-Powered Lawn Mowers for 2022, Best Battery-Powered Leaf Blowers in 2022, Best Pressure Washer Buying Guide for 2022, Smith & Wesson Delta Force CS-20 LED Flashlight Review, Keen Utility Kansas City Work Boot Review, Truewerk S4 Haun Vest Review | Carpentry-Inspired Core Warmth, Helly Hansen Manchester Construction Pant Review, Toro Robotic Lawn Mower Everything You Need to Know. A good way to narrow down plant options is to consider these tips: Avoid planting large, fast-growing trees over your septic system. ornament to mark out its location. noises or smells. You from Septic System Management Landscaping and Other Activities on Your Property Oregon State University Extension Well Water Program. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. septic tank leaks and pipe ruptures. While In truth, you do have a lot of open space atop the septic drain field. 564-397-5729 can discourage grazing over your septic tank in a variety of ways. Your septic system is a substantial investment and protecting it from damage can save time and money. your septic tank and thereby causes damage. Another reason not to plant overtop of your drain field has to do with erosion. This will also suppress weeds. For example, a water demands. your septic tank. How to Grow and Care for Juniper Bonsai Trees, 8 Creative Landscaping Ideas to Hide Utility Boxes. How about plants that arent for eating? There are, of course, many examples of such plants, so you will want to narrow down your choices. WSU Extension does not manage these external sites, nor does Extension review, control, or take responsibility for the content of these sites. Ponds should not be installed near the septic system, and youll want to minimize foot traffic over the area, so route walking paths around it. Compacted soils retain less oxygen, reduce soil organisms treatment of the effluent, and reduce the systems effectiveness. These external sites do not implicitly or explicitly represent official positions and policies of WSU Extension. More than likely, the area around your septic system is devoid of any large plants, patios, or other fixtures. Receive emails about upcoming classes and events. Grass is great for the area around your septic system. He enjoys his faith, family, friends, and the Oxford comma. Landscaping the ground over a septic system beautifies a less-than-inspiring view but choose plants with care. However, plants also absorb excess moisture and slow erosion, so doing some landscaping around your septic system might not be the worst idea. For one, anything that grows there will have indirectly used wastewater to grow. The ingenious baffle is designed so that only the liquids can exit through the pipe. Just like with your houses foundation, roots can (and eventually will) cause a lot of damage to your pipes and septic tank.

Perhaps the best advice would be to keep the landscaping over this area free of trees and shrubs. Check out theselandscaping ideas around septic tank areas to safely beautify and protect your septic system. If This prevents plant roots from searching out water and messing with your system. While it may seem ideal for a garden, contamination is a concern depending on how well your soil filters bacteria. amzn_assoc_title = "Shop Related Products"; Over the years, a garden can do serious damage depending on what you plant. amzn_assoc_search_bar_position = "bottom"; You may still need to water them on occasion, but drain fields get rained on all the time and do just fine. That is not ideal. It happily absorbs extra moisture from around the soil, allowing your septic field to continue to process wastewater effectively and efficiently. Your Examine your yard with the future in mind. Planting On Your Septic Drain Field. 1919 NE 78th St Vancouver, WA 98665-9752 Always wear gloves when digging in a drain field to protect yourself. It is primarily the drain field pipes that you have to worry about when planting around septic tanks. Landscape design should not interfere with the natural function of your system. and potentially penetrate pipes in pursuit of water. tank.

Use common sense and plan around your septic system. Put down plastic sheeting or install ponds. You want to limit vegetation over your septic Environmental Health at 360-397-8428. You still want to avoid plants that need a lot of water to thrive. This is a somewhat good rule to follow since roots can twine around pipes and cause damage. Don't place pathways for foot traffic up above your septic tank. Bird baths or feeders, sundials, potted plants, sculptures or lawn ornaments near the access port will make it easier to locate for servicing. While you dont want to regularly overwater a drain field, plants that dont require a lot of water make great solutions for covering up a drain field. Weeping willow trees are a notorious example. Water the new plants as needed, but be careful not to overwater them. Excess moisture in the soil will be taken care of through evaporationunless you (mistakenly) do something to impede it. amzn_assoc_default_category = "All"; While grass is fine, youll probably want to steer cleer of planting gardens. Landscape fabric, plastic, bark, or mulch should not be used over your septic system. area to keep animals out. This fact sheet outlines how to landscape around your septic system to minimize damage. A good rule of thumb is to get help from professionals in this area, but I hope that these landscaping ideas helped you decide the look and feel you want for your own design. Let tall Kentucky bluegrass or other lawn grow over the patch of land covering the septic tank. 3. way to disguise your access port without completely hiding it is Some grasses and plants are great at absorbing excess moisture around the drain field and helping prevent issues from over-watering.

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