How Close Can You Plant Vegetables Near A Septic Tank? (Perfect answer)

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.

Is it safe to grow vegetables near 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. Vegetable plant roots grow down in search of nutrients and water, and they can easily meet wastewater.

How far should a vegetable garden be from a septic tank?

Mark the garden’s borders with stakes. According to the University of California Small Farm Program, fruits and vegetables should be planted at least 10 feet from a septic system or leach field to avoid bacterial contamination.

How close can you plant to septic?

Any trees planted in your yard should be at least as far away from the septic tank as the tree is tall. For example, a 20-foot-tall tree should be planted at least 20 feet away from the septic tank. Some trees need to be located even further from a septic tank.

What plants are safe to plant near septic systems?

Here are some example of trees and shrubs with shallow root systems that are safe to plant near your septic system:

Japanese Maple Trees.
Holly Shrubs.
Dogwood Trees.

Cherry Trees.
Boxwood Shrubs.
Eastern Redbud Trees.

Azalea Shrubs.

Can you put a raised garden over a septic field?

Tip. A raised garden can interfere with the functioning of a septic or drain field. Installing a raised garden bed over the leach lines is not recommended.

Can you build a greenhouse over a septic 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 plant arborvitae near septic tank?

A common hedging plant for narrow spaces is pyramidal arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Fastigiata,’ or its greener cultivar ‘Emerald Green’). From my observation, it forms a dense root mass that would run into the septic field unless contained, but could provide a decent screen with a confined root run.

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 you put a deck over a septic tank?

You should never build a deck over a septic field; doing so will prevent the natural draining and dissipation of the effluent. This can ruin the septic system, not to mention releasing foul smells into the air all around your deck. The dissipating effluent can also rot the deck from underneath.

What can you put over a septic 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.

How to Plant a Garden in Relation to a Septic System Drain Field

For many individuals, living in the country represents a new way of life. Gardening and orchard planning are important aspects of country living, but so are other aspects of country life. A septic system is required for the majority of country residences, for example, to dispose of sewage. In spite of the fact that septic systems are generally effective, the leach field is a critical component in the treatment and dispersion of waste water. Because of the risk of bacteria in the soil, only grass, shallow-rooted flowers, bulbs, and meadow grasses are planted immediately over a septic system to prevent bacterial contamination.

In accordance with the septic plot plan submitted with the local building department, identify the location of the septic tank and leach lines on the property.

While a plot plan is required for new construction, older properties may not have any records accessible that specify the placement of the septic tank and leach pipes.

Septic tank site can be identified by the presence of a clean-out, risers, or a manhole cover on the ground surface.

To identify the gravel drain field, use a metal rod and gently press it into the earth to probe the area around it.

Make your way out of the home and away from the house.
Take a 10-foot measurement from the outside boundary of the leach field.
To minimize bacterial contamination, according to the University of California Small Farm Program, fruits and vegetables should be grown at least 10 feet away from a septic system or leach field to ensure proper drainage.

In order to ensure that non-aggressive shrubs and trees thrive, they should be planted at a distance equivalent to their maturity height.

Bulletin #2442, Vegetable Gardens and Septic Fields Don’t Mix

Visit extension.umaine.edu for more information on the University of Maine Extension programs and services. More information about our publications and books may be found here. atextension.umaine.edu/publications/. According to data from the United States Census Bureau, Maine is the most rural state in the US, with around 61 percent of our people living in rural regions.

1 Due to the fact that many rural-area properties are not linked to municipal sewer systems, many Mainers rely on septic systems to dispose of their household wastes instead.

Planning Around Your Septic System

In addition to an underground tank, a septic system also includes a soil absorption field, which is sometimes known as a septic system disposal field and is also referred to as a “leach field.” Through filtration and the work of microorganisms in the soil, the wastewater treatment field cleans the wastewater, preventing polluting water from entering nearby bodies of water such as lakes, streams, and groundwater.

Because of the presence of a septic system on your property, you may need to adjust your land use to accommodate the system.

This is especially true in the case of vegetable gardens.

What if You Don’t Know Where Your Septic System Is?

In addition to an underground tank, a septic system also includes a soil absorption field, which is sometimes known as a septic system disposal field and is occasionally referred to as a “leach field.” Through filtration and the work of microorganisms in the soil, the wastewater treatment field cleans the wastewater, preventing polluting water from entering nearby bodies of water such as lakes, streams, and underground water sources.

It is possible that you may have to design your land use around the presence of a septic system on your property.

This is especially true in the case of veggie gardens.

How Septic System Wastewater Can Contaminate Your Garden

Untreated wastewater, commonly known as sewage, can be a health issue since it contains pathogens. Septic system disposal fields are intended to treat or refurbish the wastewater produced by septic systems. Because plants can become polluted by wastewater that has not yet been refurbished by a septic system disposal field, it is imperative that you do not grow a vegetable garden on top of, or immediately close to, a septic system disposal field. Plants growing on disposal fields have the ability to absorb pathogens from wastewater.

What You Should Know About Disposal — Field Design

Since 1974, the majority of septic system disposal fields have been designed to be built partially or entirely above the original ground surface. This is due to the fact that the majority of Maine’s soils are hardpan, bedrock, and/or have a shallow seasonal groundwater table. A sufficient elevation above any of these limiting constraints is required to allow wastewater to flow into and be rejuvenated by the soil underneath the disposal field’s bottom layer of soil. How a disposal field is built is explained in detail.

The upper layer is made up of components such as plastic or concrete chambers, fabric-wrapped pipe, geo-textile sand filters, or stone.
A layer of compressed hay or filter fabric is placed just above the stone or other disposal-field components to prevent fine soil particles from entering the crevices between the stones or in other devices in the disposal field.

A layer of fill material is placed above the compressed hay or filter fabric, which is typically eight to twelve inches deep.
This is done in order to allow for the open flow of air into the disposal field, which will allow bacteria to immediately attack and refurbish the wastewater as fast as possible.

In most cases, just the top four or five inches of this fill material contains silt or clay, as well as organic debris and other contaminants. The reasons why septic system disposal fields are undesirable for gardening purposes

The wastewater level in a new septic system disposal field is often fairly low, especially in the early stages of the system’s operation. Over time, however, as the disposal field grows, it is possible that effluent will accumulate in ponds. A partial obstruction of the soil pores by particles escaping from the septic tank as well as the live and dead bodies of microorganisms is the cause of this. The greater the thickness of this clogging layer, the higher the level of wastewater in the disposal field will grow. The amount of wastewater produced will also increase over time as the number of family members grows and matures, as well as as a result of high-volume events. Water (including wastewater) will wick up into soil as a result of capillary attraction, and eventually the levels of wastewater in a disposal field will be high enough for even shallowly rooted plants to come into touch with it

Even shallowly rooted plants will come into contact with it. The capillary pull of the wastewater might lead it to wick up to a height of 18 inches in the disposal field if it rises high enough in the disposal field to come into touch with the fill material on top of it. This could happen depending on the texture of the fill material. Consequently, it is not recommended to plant a vegetable garden next to a landfill fill expansion, especially if it is located close to the landfill. However, even though there may be no wicking up to the top of the disposal field or fill extension material at first, it is possible that it will occur as the disposal field matures. Generally speaking, the soil over the top of a septic system disposal field is very permeable, particularly in the early stages of the system’s installation. As a result, in order for the plants to thrive in a garden that has been planted on top of a septic system disposal field, irrigation will be required. Addition of water to the top of a disposal field, particularly if the disposal field is only moderately functioning, has the potential to cause it to collapse. Turning the top of a disposal field might cause harm to the compacted hay or filter fabric on top of the field. if the compressed hay or filter fabric is damaged, it could allow soil particles to migrate down into the stone or other devices in the disposal field, reducing the wastewater holding capacity
If the compressed hay or filter fabric is damaged, it could allow soil particles to migrate down into the stone or other devices in the disposal field
In order to provide a safe growing environment for vegetable plants on top of a waste field, it is not recommended to place extra fill on top of the field. The addition of fill material has the potential to choke the disposal field by interfering with the free flow of air in the area. It is significantly more probable for an anaerobic (oxygen-free) disposal field to become clogged and fail than it is for a well-oxygenated disposal field. Additionally, adding more fill material to the disposal system may result in damage to the components of the disposal field. It is expected that any plants put on top of the disposal field would shoot roots down in search of water and nutrients, which will not be found in the gravelly sand fill material used for the disposal field. After everything is said and done, septic system disposal fields are unsuited for gardening because roots that come into touch with wastewater might absorb infections such as viruses, which can subsequently infect anybody who consumes the plants.

Better Choices for Covering Disposal Fields

A new septic system disposal field typically has a very low quantity of wastewater since the system is still in the early stages of being constructed. It is possible, however, that effluent will accumulate in the disposal field as the field grows. A partial obstruction of the soil pores by particles escaping from the septic tank as well as the live and dead bodies of microorganisms is the cause of this phenomenon. This clogging layer becomes thicker as time goes on, and the amount of wastewater in the disposal field increases as well.

Water (including wastewater) will wick up into soil as a result of capillary attraction, and eventually the levels of wastewater in a disposal field will be high enough for even shallowly rooted plants to come into touch with it.

For this reason, a vegetable garden should not be constructed on a disposal field’s fill extension, especially if it is located close to the landfill.
For this reason, irrigation would be necessary for the growth of plants in a garden that was established on top of a septic system disposal field.
Turning the top of a disposal field might cause harm to the compressed hay or filter fabric on top of the pile.

By preventing the free flow of air in the disposal field, the additional fill material might suffocate the site.
Additional fill material being placed on the disposal system may also cause harm to the components of the disposal field.

After everything is said and done, septic system disposal fields are unsuited for gardening because roots that come into touch with wastewater might absorb infections such as viruses, which can subsequently infect anybody who consumes the plants;

Septic System Gardening Info: Planting Gardens On Septic Drain Fields

Susan Patterson, Master Gardener, contributed to this article. A common source of concern for many homeowners is the planting of gardens on septic drain fields. This is especially true when it comes to planting a vegetable garden over a septic tank area. Continue reading to find out more about septic system gardening and whether or not it is advised to grow over septic tanks.

Can a Garden be Planted Over a Septic Tank?

Gardens over septic tanks are not only permitted, but they may be helpful in some circumstances. Septic drain fields benefit from the addition of attractive plants because they promote oxygen exchange and aid in the removal of moisture from the drain field region. Plants also aid in the control of erosion. Often, it is advised that leach fields be covered with meadow grass or turf grass, such as perennial rye, to improve the overall appearance. Furthermore, ornamental grasses with shallow roots can have a very pleasing appearance.

In either case, planting on a sewage bed is permissible as long as the plants you choose are neither invasive or deeply established.

Best Plants for Septic Field Garden

A septic field garden should be planted with herbaceous, shallow-rooted plants such as the grasses indicated above, as well as other perennials and annuals that will not damage or clog the sewage lines. Planting trees and shrubs over a septic field is more challenging than planting shallow-rooted plants over a septic field. It is possible that tree or shrub roots may cause damage to pipelines at some point in time. Small boxwoods and hollybushes are preferable than woody shrubs or huge trees in this situation.

Vegetable Garden Over Septic Tank Areas

It is not suggested to grow vegetables in a septic tank. Although a fully functioning septic system should not create any difficulties, it can be difficult to determine whether or not the system is operating at peak performance. As vegetable plant roots grow downward in search of nutrients and water, they may come into contact with sewage or other liquid waste. People who consume the plants may become infected with pathogens such as viruses. Whenever feasible, it’s a good idea to reserve the space above and near the septic field for decorative plants and to locate your vegetable garden someplace else on the property.

Septic System Gardening Info

It is generally a good idea to obtain as much information as possible about your specific septic system before you begin planting. Consult with the house builder or the person who built the septic system to see which option would be the most appropriate for your unique scenario. Learn more about General Vegetable Garden Care in this article. This content was last modified on

Is it okay to plant a garden over a leach field?

Planting over a septic leach field (drain field) is possible, but it must be done with caution to avoid contamination. If you just have a little amount of garden area on your home, the leach field may be the only place you can plant flowers or vegetables. Growing shallow-rooted plants over the drainage region is advised since they aid in the removal of surplus moisture and nutrients from the soil as well as the reduction of soil erosion.

A range of different herbaceous perennials, annuals, and groundcovers can be safely and efficiently planted in addition to turf grass, which is the most common choice. It is not suggested to grow vegetables over a leach field.

About Septic Systems

The majority of residences in rural regions, where city sewer connections are not readily available, have their own septic systems, which are comprised of a septic tank and a leach field. The septic tank decomposes organic matter and removes oil, grease, and particles from the waste water generated by a home. Septic tank effluent is released to an underground network of perforated pipes, which allow the liquid to gently flow back into the surrounding soil. Water that percolates through the soil and into the water table in a well working septic system is free of hazardous bacteria and nutrients before it reaches the water table.

Planting Considerations

Planting over a leach field requires special care since plant roots can block drain pipes and cause damage to the drain field, which can be a costly problem to repair after it has occurred. Several herbaceous perennials are relatively risk-free choices since their roots will not grow deep enough to reach the sewer lines. Because they require less irrigation and because their roots will not seek to penetrate the continually moist soil around the drain pipes, drought resistant plants are favored.

Additional considerations include minimizing the quantity of water supplied over the leach field, since saturated soil can inhibit effluent evaporation and increase the likelihood of groundwater pollution.
Solid woody plants have deeper roots that have the potential to clog drain lines in a very short period of time.
Planting a tree towards the end of the drainage line, where there is less water to attract the roots in the direction of the leach field, is an option if you absolutely must.

The roots of a tree will normally reach at least as far from the trunk as the tree’s height from the ground.
The detergents and cleaning chemicals that are flushed down the toilet are often alkaline, and this can cause the pH of the soil to rise over time.
Furthermore, residential effluent typically contains significant quantities of sodium, particularly if you use a water softener.

It is not a good idea to plant vegetables over a leach field.
A further consideration is that many vegetable gardeners are apprehensive about growing their food plants on soil that is regularly contaminated with household pollutants.

Unfortunately, building raised beds over the drainage region is also not a viable option. The increased soil depth created by the beds may reduce evaporation and reduce the effectiveness of the septic system’s efficacy.

Suggested Perennials

Astilbe	Astilibespecies
Barrenwort	Epimediumspecies
Barren strawberry	Waldsteinia ternata
Beardtongue	Penstemon digitalis
Black-eyed-Susan	Rudbeckia hirta
Blanket flower	Gaillardiaspecies
Blazing star	Liatrisspecies
Butterfly milkweed	Asclepias tuberosa
Catmint	Nepeta racemosa
Columbine	Aquilegiaspecies
Cranesbill	Geraniumspecies
Daylily	Hemerocallisspecies
Dianthus	Dianthusspecies
Globe thistle	Echinops ritro
Goldenrod	Solidagospecies
Hens and chicks	Sempervivumspecies
Hosta	Hostaspecies
Knautia	Knautia macedonica
Lamb’s ears	Stachys byzantina
Lupine	Lupinusspecies
Moss phlox	Phlox subulata
Mullein	Verbascum species
Poppy	Papaverspecies
Purple coneflower	Echinacea purpurea
Russian sage	Perovskia atriplicifolia
Spurge	Euphorbiaspecies
Stonecrop	Sedumspecies
Tickseed	Coreopsis species
Wild bergamot	Monarda fistulosa
Woodland sage	Salvia nemerosa
Yarrow	Achilleaspecies

Do you love learning about stuff like this?

Subscribe to Emma Erler’s NH Outside podcast. Do you have any questions? The Ask UNH Extension Infoline provides practical assistance in locating answers to your inquiries about your home, yard, and garden. Call us toll free at 1-877-398-4769 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, or send an e-mail to [email protected]

Can vegetable gardens be planted near or over septic fields?

Our vegetable garden is built on top of a portion of our sewage system. This is the only portion of our yard that receives sufficient sunlight. Is it possible that there will be a problem with probable contamination? Contamination can be an issue in several situations. Because septic tanks are not totally self-contained and do not seep into the soil, there are health risks associated with them. To preserve Michigan’s groundwater from pollution, the majority of governmental entities have forced that homeowners switch to self-contained water treatment systems.

The behavior of a septic system is influenced by the kind of soil present.
Clay, on the other hand, does not percolate or drain well, making it an unsuitable material for a septic site in general.

Contaminants have the ability to traverse longer distances in this situation.
Plants that grow above ground, such as lettuce or broccoli, may be infected by pathogens that are washed up from the soil surface during irrigation or a rainstorm.
Homes with “hard” water and that employ a salt-based water softening system are more likely to have significant volumes of brine flowing into the septic drain field than other types of homes.

Septic effluent pours out into the pipes and is progressively filtered via the earth as it travels through it.
Even though septic systems are intended to prevent disease-causing soil pollution, there is currently no reliable technique to determine whether or not your system is operating effectively.

Plants are, by their very nature, absorbing and digesting “factories,” and as a result, they clean up the environment. The crops you planted in the only sunny spot of your yard might be contaminated by all of this.

Is it Dangerous to Plant on a Septic Field? – Ask Dr. Weil

Planting your septic field is typically considered a good idea, but it is not the best location for a vegetable garden. According to the Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE), shallow-rooting plants can aid in the proper operation of a septic drain system by removing moisture and nutrients from the soil; they can also help to decrease soil erosion. When it comes to planting vegetables, the VCE materials state that the soil’s ability to filter viruses and bacteria is dependent on the soil’s ability to filter viruses and bacteria: clay soils can eliminate bacteria within a few inches of the drain trenches, whereas sandy soils may allow bacterial movement for several feet.

The VCE recommends that you use your septic field for decorative plants and that you move your veggie garden somewhere else.

Root crops should not be planted over drain lines. It is possible that leafy vegetables will be polluted by rain splashing soil onto the plant

Thus, either mulch them to prevent splashing or avoid growing them. Fruit-bearing crops are most likely safe
Vegetables that grow on vines, such as cucumbers or tomatoes, should be trained onto a support so that the fruit is not on the ground. Before consuming any garden produce, be sure it has been well cleaned. It is not recommended to build raised beds over the field because they may interfere with the evaporation of moisture.

The VCE recommends that at a bare minimum, the septic field be planted with a thick cover of grass to prevent erosion. The septic field of my vacation residence in coastal British Columbia, Canada, was covered with lilies, which I planted. They have shallow roots and are very appealing. When planting on septic fields, VCE suggests shallow-rooted herbaceous plants that do not require a lot of water to establish. The pipes in a leach field are buried at least six inches below the surface of the ground, allowing septic tank effluent to flow across a vast surface area.

The removal of surplus moisture and nutrients by plant roots can assist to improve the efficiency with which the residual effluent is purified.
As a result, the issue of leach field gardening is to locate plants that will suit your landscape requirements while avoiding clogging the drain pipes.
The Virginia experts also advise against being overly excited when tilling the soil when laying out your plants, and to always use gardening gloves to avoid direct contact with any hazardous organisms that may be present in the soil during the planting process.

Andrew Weil is a medical doctor who practices in New York City.

Can You Plant A Garden Over A Septic Field?

The rear corner of my land is where I’m planning to develop my garden, but while I was talking about my plans with a buddy, he said that his home is equipped with a septic tank, which made gardening a bit more difficult. It’s not something I have to be concerned about, but it’s something I would be concerned about if I lived in a property that relied on a septic tank for waste disposal. I recall that my sister had a septic system installed on her property some years ago, and she also had a flower garden on her land.

Despite the fact that you are cautious about what you are growing and are aware of the hazards associated with probable contamination and damage to the septic system, you should not plant a garden over a septic field.

These are the start of two very distinct inquiries.
Yes.
No.

Gardens flourish over septic fields for the same reason they flourish when manure is incorporated into the soil: there are an abundance of nutrients available for your plants to absorb and use.
However, vegetable gardens and flower gardens are two whole different things.
A little manure on my garden soil is fine with me, but having bacteria contaminates splashed all over my food is not something I am interested in.

For me, it’s a question of not knowing whether or not the septic system is properly functioning or whether or not I’ve caused harm to it, and I don’t want to take any chances with my health or with the septic system’s functionality.

If you’re dead set on starting a vegetable garden, but your only option is to dig up a septic field, you’ll want to think twice before proceeding.

If at all possible, avoid planting root vegetables immediately over drainage lines because if there is contamination, the root vegetables will absorb it and this will be detrimental to your health.

Planting tomato and cucumber vine crops in cages and trellises will keep the plants off the ground and prevent as much splashing from water impacting the soil as is feasible.

Raised garden beds should not be used because they make it harder for your septic system to drain correctly since they hold too much water in the soil.

Oh, and please, please, please do not place your garden next to a septic field.

In reality, growing over your septic field is not a significant concern for most garden plants (with the exception of root vegetables), but it might cause problems for your sewage system and lead to the contamination of your food supply.

Apart from this, you should also think about keeping some other objects away from your septic field.

Some of the drainage lines are rather close to the surface, and even tiny machines such as 4-wheelers, dirt bikes, and riding mowers might cause an issue and break the drainage lines as a result of the weight of the vehicle.

You should also avoid hardscaping or planting raised beds directly over the septic field.

Planting Vegetables Over a Septic Leach Field

It it OK for me to establish a vegetable garden on the drain field of my septic tank. – Eric et al. The drain field of a septic tank makes for an attractive location for a vegetable garden since it is vast, flat, and typically sunny. However, it is typically not suggested to grow vegetables in this location for a variety of reasons, including the following:

There is a risk of contamination:

As septic tank effluent drains out into the lines, it is gently filtered through the soil, where helpful soil microorganisms digest dangerous bacteria and viruses, allowing the effluent to return to the tank. This indicates that there is some level of contamination around the lines, and the extent of the contamination is dependent on the kind of soil, the rate of absorption, and the overall quality of the system. Septic systems are intended to prevent disease-causing soil pollution, but there is no simple method to determine whether or not your system is working correctly. Consider all of the home chemicals that are flushed down your drains on a daily basis, in addition to bacteria. In general, plants benefit the environment by absorbing and digesting chemicals – some of which may wind up in your food. Root crops are more susceptible to contamination, and their roots can become entangled in drainage systems. Leaves and vegetables might be polluted by water that has splashed up from the soil surface. Higher-growing or fruiting plants (such as tomatoes and cucumbers) are less likely to be infected

But, there is no way to know what kinds (or how much) bacteria are present on them. It is possible that you have a water-softener system that may release brine (salt) into the system, which will hurt salt-sensitive veggies such as peppers and beans
Nevertheless, it is not recommended.

Also, the proper functioning of your septic system can be harmed by:

The use of raised beds that hinder the evaporation of moisture
Tilling, excavating, and foot traffic are all activities that might cause damage to septic lines. It is irrigation that causes the delicate process of filtration and evaporation to be disrupted.

Instead of vegetables, you should plant your septic drain field with decorative plants, grasses, or ground coverings that have shallow roots and are drought resistant. For further information and plant recommendations, please see:

Planting on your septic drain field (Virginia Tech)
Planting on your septic leach field (University of Nevada)
Planting on your septic drain field (Virginia Tech)

Planting on your septic leach field (Virginia Tech)

Guidelines for Planting Your Garden Around a Septic Tank

The components of your septic tank are the main outflow, the holding tank, and the drainage field. The tank accepts wastewater from your home’s plumbing system and holds it for a certain amount of time before it is released through an outlet and discharges into a drainage field. There are certain plants that will thrive on or surrounding your drainage field, while others will not. So, which plants are beneficial or detrimental to your wastewater treatment system? Listed below are some useful “do’s” and “don’ts” when it comes to gardening in a septic tank friendly manner:

DO stay shallow

When it comes to planting your garden over aRi-Industries septic system, being “shallow” is not often regarded as a favorable personality characteristic. However, it is critical that you maintain your shallowness when planting. An underground septic tank is often constructed between 0.6 and 0.9 m below ground level, which means you don’t want the root systems of your tiny plants or shrubs to go deeper than this depth.

Flowers, grasses, and tiny groundcovers are the best plants to utilize near drainage fields since they won’t grow deep enough to clog the piping of your septic tank and cause it to backup.

DON’T plant trees too close to your septic system

However, contractors often feel that no tree can be safely planted too close to a sewage system, despite the fact that Ri-Industries septic tanks are composed of 40 MPa concrete and the tanks have been engineered to withstand everything. Due to the fact that a tree’s root system is its primary means of absorbing water, its roots will naturally expand toward the most plentiful supply of water in your yard. This implies that if a tree is placed too close to a septic system, the roots of the tree will grow in the direction of the moist drainage field that surrounds the system.

DO use shrubs that don’t require a lot of water, or are drought tolerant

Plants that are hydrophilic (love water) will grow deep into the ground in quest of moisture. If you plant water-loving shrubs too close to your drainage field, their root systems might become entangled in the pipes of your septic system, resulting in clogs that can be very difficult to clean up. Planting smaller plants with shallow root systems that will not cause any disruption to your Ri-Industries sewage pipes may be a good idea.

DON’T plant veggies near your septic tank

For the best results, fruits and vegetables should be grown at least three meters away from the drainage area of your septic tank. Although this appears to be a straightforward concept, it is really crucial to bear in mind when you plan your planting!

DO plan ahead

Fruits and vegetables should be grown at least three meters away from the drainage field of your septic tank in order to minimize bacterial contamination of the plants. This appears to be a straightforward concept, but it is one that should be kept in mind as you design your planting strategy.

Landscaping Around a Septic System: Do’s and Don’ts

Riverside, California 92504-17333 Van Buren Boulevard Call us right now at (951) 780-5922. A big number of large plants, patios, and other structures are likely to be absent from the region surrounding your septic system. Indeed, conventional thinking is that you should avoid both large landscaping and septic systems in the vicinity of one other. This is a reasonable guideline to follow since roots can entangle themselves around pipes and cause them to burst. Plants, on the other hand, can absorb excess rainfall and decrease erosion, so landscaping around your septic system might not be such a bad idea after all.

You don’t want roots to penetrate the perforations and clog the system, so keep them out.

Landscaping Do’s and Don’ts

Plants that do not require a lot of water should be used. This stops plant roots from looking for water and interfering with your system’s functionality. Make use of herbaceous plants with shallow roots, such as flowers and ground cover. When planting quarts, gallons, or plugs, make sure to keep your plants somewhat near to one another to prevent erosion. This will help restrict the growth of weeds. If you have any trees or shrubs growing in your yard in the future, consider how their development may impede access to the septic tank lids, leach field, and sprinkler system. Using a potted plant, riser cover, or lawn ornament just above your access hatch, you may mark the position of your access hatch. When it comes time to dig it up, it will be much simpler to do so. Allow tall Kentucky bluegrass or another type of lawn to grow over the plot of ground that serves as a septic tank cover. Consider the benefits of growing perennials. Because both grasses and perennials have a shallow root structure, they should have no negative impact on your tank or drain field. Make use of tiny, non-woody groundcovers to disguise weeds. Think about planting shallow-rooted trees and vegetation (such as cherry trees, dogwood trees, holly bushes, azalea shrubs, and boxwood shrubs) in the area around your septic system, but make sure they are at least 10-15 feet away from the tank.

Get so concerned about plants and grasses hurting your septic tank that you completely demolish the surrounding region. Some grasses and plants are particularly effective at collecting excess rainwater surrounding the drain field, hence reducing the likelihood of drainage problems. Overwatering your lawn may encourage freshly planted plants to flourish more quickly. Overwatering can cause soil to contract over your leach field, which can cause your septic system to get clogged. Root vegetables can be grown in the vicinity of your system. If these nutrient-absorbing plants are planted too near together, they may cause problems with microorganisms.

Install plastic sheeting or ponds to keep the water out. These characteristics obstruct effective drainage from the tank to the leach field. Overlook the septic tank or leach field and construct walkways and high-traffic routes
Don’t forget that the placement of fencing and gates might have an impact on septic pumper truck access. The hoses on the truck are quite heavy, and we do not recommend that you use them to cross fences. The majority of pumpers like to have access within 50 feet of their vehicle. Planting plants or trees around the septic system is a good idea. Forestry professionals recommend planting trees 20 feet or more away from water, but trees that are known to hunt for water should be planted 50 feet or more away from water. Planting shrubs near the system is a good idea. Vegetables that are nutrient-rich can be grown on a septic system. However, contamination is a worry depending on how efficiently your soil filters microorganisms, even if it appears to be excellent for a garden. Susan Day, an expert on urban forestry at Virginia Tech, advocates planting aboveground veggies rather than root vegetables in close proximity as a safeguard. Disrupt the drainage system by constructing ponds, using plastic sheeting, or planting plants that require a lot of upkeep. Increase foot traffic in regions that are already established. The greater the amount of foot traffic, the more compacted the earth gets.

Plants Safe to Grow Over Septic Tanks and Drain Fields

As long as you choose the landscaping for the region around your septic system with care, you won’t have to be so concerned about the possibility of septic system damage caused by roots that you refrain from planting in these places entirely. It is not only permissible, but really desirable, to cultivate the appropriate kind of plants in this location. Plants will help to prevent erosion and will also help to absorb some of the surplus rainwater from the drainage system. The ideal plants to use around your septic tank and drain field are perennials and grasses (including decorative grasses).

Small, non-woody ground coverings are a wonderful choice for the same reason: they are low maintenance.

It is not safe to consume food crops that have been planted in the ground near a drain field since doing so may result in the consumption of hazardous microorganisms.

It is preferable to plant shallow-rooted plants and bushes in the vicinity of septic tank drain fields if you really must. The following are examples of shallow-rooted plants and shrubs:

Dogwood trees, Japanese maple trees, Eastern redbud trees, cherry trees, azalea shrubs, boxwood shrubs, and holly shrubs are examples of ornamental trees and shrubs.

The Worst Plants to Grow Over Septic Systems

Planting huge, rapidly growing trees is often discouraged. However, some of the greatest offenders are trees and shrubs with root systems that are aggressively seeking out sources of water, which makes them particularly difficult to control. They are not picky about the water source from which they draw their water, which means the pipes in your septic tank drain field are completely fair game. Weeping willow trees are a well-known example of this. There are several trees and bushes to avoid, however the following are only a few examples:

The following are examples of plants and trees: Pussywillow bushes, Japanese willow shrubs, Weeping willow trees, Aspen trees, Lombardy poplar trees, Birch trees, Beech trees, and Elm trees The majority of maple trees, with the exception of Japanese maples
American sweetgum trees

Ash trees
Tulip trees

It is advised that a layer of vegetation, such as a lawn, be placed over the drain field to help hold the dirt in place and boost the effectiveness of the system. Certain principles, on the other hand, should be followed in order to avoid costly and unpleasant situations. Perhaps the greatest piece of advise would be to keep trees and bushes out of the landscaping surrounding this location. The most important factor should be the best possible functioning of your septic system, but each homeowner will need to do a cost/benefit analysis of the plants they choose on an individual basis.

If you suspect that encroaching tree roots are causing damage to your system, please contact us at (951) 780-5922 as soon as possible.