Septic-Safe Landscaping: Choosing the Right Plants for Your Septic System
Understanding Septic Systems
Septic systems are wastewater treatment facilities that are used in areas without sewer systems. They consist of a septic tank, which stores and separates wastewater into solids, scum, and liquids, and a drain field, which discharges the liquids into the soil.
Safe Plants for Septic Systems
Choosing the right plants for your septic system is crucial to prevent root damage and other problems. Safe plants typically have shallow root systems and can tolerate the wet, salty conditions often found around septic systems.
Grasses and Ground Covers:
- Tall fescue grass
- Kentucky bluegrass
- Creeping Charlie
- Stonecrop
- Jewelweed
Trees and Shrubs:
- Dogwoods
- Japanese maples
- Eastern redbuds
- Cherry trees
- Hydrangeas
- Azaleas
- Boxwoods
- Holly
- Dwarf tree varieties
Choosing Plants Based on Conditions:
- For sunny areas, consider perennials for sunlit areas.
- For shady areas, look at shade garden plants.
- Choose plants that tolerate wet ground and salt, such as bee balm, hollyhocks, and wild violets.
- If you have a high deer population, consider deer-resistant perennials, ground covers, bulbs, and grasses.
Unsafe Plants for Septic Systems
Avoid planting large, fast-growing trees over your septic system. Trees and shrubs with aggressive root systems that seek out water sources should also be avoided.
Common Unsafe Plants:
- Pussy willows
- Japanese willows
- Weeping willows
- Aspen trees
- Lombardy poplars
- Birch trees
- Beech trees
- Elm trees
- Most maple trees other than the Japanese maple
- American sweetgum trees
- Ash trees
- Tulip trees
Vegetable gardens should not be planted over septic fields due to the risk of bacteria contamination.
Protecting Your Septic System from Tree Roots
Even if you avoid planting problematic plants directly over your septic system, the roots of large, mature trees nearby can still pose a risk. As a general rule, trees should be planted at least as many feet away from your septic drain field as they are tall. If this is not possible, you can install root barriers to prevent roots from invading your drain field.
Planning a Septic Field Garden
When planting around septic tanks, it’s important to focus on the drain field pipes, which can be damaged by roots penetrating the perforations. Choose shallow-rooted plants and avoid digging deeply.
Flowers for Septic Beds:
- Perennials are preferred over annuals.
- Choose low-maintenance plants that can tolerate the environment.
- Wear gloves when digging in a drain field to protect yourself.
Avoid the following, which can interfere with the evaporation process:
- Adding soil to the area
- Mulching too heavily
- Watering plants more than necessary
By selecting low-maintenance, septic-safe plants, you can create a beautiful and functional garden without compromising the health of your septic system.
