CorseMachin | Septic Field Plant Choices - Suitable Plants For Septic Systems

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 can I plant on my septic field?
What trees can be planted near a septic field?
Can you plant a garden on a septic field?
What kind of soil is best for a septic system?
How deep are septic field lines?
Can I plant fruit trees over a septic leach field?
How far should you plant a weeping willow from a septic tank?
Can tree roots damage a septic tank?
Is fabric softener bad for septic tanks?
Is it safe to play on a leach field?
How much dirt goes in a septic field?
Can a leach field be repaired?

What can I plant on my septic field?

Herbaceous plants, such as annuals, perennials, bulbs and ornamental grasses are generally the best choices for use on a septic drain field. Ornamental grasses also offer the advantages of having a fibrous root system that holds soil in place, and providing year-round cover.

What trees can be planted near a septic field?

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 plant a garden on a septic field?

Gardening over septic tanks is not only permissible but also beneficial in some instances. Planting ornamental plants on septic drain fields provides oxygen exchange and helps with evaporation in the drain field area. ... In addition, shallow-rooted ornamental grasses can look particularly nice.

What kind of soil is best for a septic system?

Sandy soils feel gritty and can allow air and water to move rapidly through the soil. Clay soils are sticky and very dense, restricting the movement of air and water. The soils best suited for wastewater treatment are mixtures of sand, silt, and clays referred to as loamy soils.

How deep are septic field lines?

A typical septic drainfield trench is 18 to 30 inches in depth, with a maximum soil cover over the disposal field of 36"; or per the USDA, 2 feet to 5 feet in depth.

Can I plant fruit trees over a septic leach field?

The short answer is it's better to keep fruits and vegetables away from septic systems, especially septic drainfields but above-ground crops such as fruit trees are less likely to be contaminated. ... Watch out: do not plant root crops over a drainfield. They may be contaminated with sewage bacteria.

How far should you plant a weeping willow from a septic tank?

Plant weeping willow trees at least 50 feet away from the septic system, or, if you are putting in a new septic system, make sure it is at least 50 feet away from any willow trees. This 50 feet is a minimum spacing and even with this distance you could run into problems as the tree matures.

Can tree roots damage a septic tank?

Trees can cause significant damage to a septic system. Over time, tree roots can wreak havoc on the pipes and drain lines that lead out to the sewer or to your privately installed septic system. ... As a result, the roots can grow into the walls of the pipes and block the ability to drain water and waste.

Is fabric softener bad for septic tanks?

In addition to the harmful chemicals in fabric softener, the product is also pretty harmful to your septic system. Fabric softeners include ammonium compounds that have antibacterial properties. ... Petroleum products can be potentially toxic to natural microbes in septic systems.

Is it safe to play on a leach field?

Children and pets can run and play safely on the grass above the drain field. Your family can walk on a well-maintained drain field without fear of encountering puddles of affluent and dangerous bacteria. Bicycles and tricycles are also acceptable because they are not heavy enough to compress or disturb the soil.

How much dirt goes in a septic field?

Septic systems are generally planned to have anywhere from 6 inches to 30 inches of soil on top of them.

Can a leach field be repaired?

There's usually no repair for a drainfield that has failed. You probably need to replace some or all of your system.