What can I plant near my septic system?

Spring is here and so begins the season of growth. I routinely get asked “what can I plant near my septic system?” and so now seems like an appropriate time to address that question. The long and short of plants and a septic system is that you want to make choices that will encourage nutrient uptake (the plant uses the nutrients and so less of them go into the soil below thus extending your drainfield’s life because biomat cannot build up as quickly) but not damage the drainfield itself. The use of annuals (plants that die and have to be replanted each season) is a good thing. The use of some perennials (plants that live year round and whose root systems continue to grow) and trees/bushes is to be avoided. The most common cause of drainfield failure is root intrusion, and once a drainfield is rootbound there is nothing that can be done to remedy that drainfield. Also avoid anything that will require you to till or turn over the soil as the potential for physical damages to the drainfield itself is too great.

Here’s a list of the top “Plants And Trees To Avoid Having  Near Your Septic System” but just remember things that grow quickly and/or have a strong root system don’t go well with a septic system. Keep in mind too that at some point your septic tank will have to be dug up in order to be pumped so anything you plant or place on top of the tank will at that time have to be removed.

• Sycamore trees
• Magnolia trees
• Bamboo (of any kind)
• Crape Myrtle bushes
• Dogwood trees
• Azaleas
• Hedges
• Vegetable Gardens