How Far Away From My Septic Tank Should I Plant Trees?

If you can't connect to your town’s sewage lines, a septic system is essential for managing wastewater safely. However, between the tank and drain field, a system can take up a large amount of space where you might have been planning to put a garden.

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Thankfully, you can plant trees near a septic tank. How close the trees can get depends on a lot of factors, including the type of tree and how big it's likely to grow. With the right knowledge, landscaping over your septic tank can enhance the beauty of your yard without damaging your system.

How Can Trees Interfere With Your Septic System?

Trees, like all plants, search for water, and this can include the water in your septic system. Due to their large size, they have extensive and strong root systems. In the search for water, trees can send roots into the tank, causing cracks and leaks. They can also grow into and around pipes, blocking or crushing them.

This sort of damage can be catastrophic for a septic system. Even a small crack can cause wastewater to leak into your garden, endangering the health of your family, pets and garden. It can also be bad for your wallet. Depending on the size of the leak, you may have to pay for extensive repairs or even a new tank.

How Far Away From My Septic Tank Should I Plant Trees?

According to Colorado State University, a tree's roots grow two to three times as wide as the crown of the tree and go 6 to 24 inches down into the soil. So, the bigger the tree, the larger the root system. This means you have to allow enough room for the roots to spread without hitting any parts of the septic system.

Most septic system professionals recommend that you plant trees as far away as the tree will grow tall. For example, if the tree is likely to grow 10 feet high, plant it 10 feet away from any parts of the septic system. This protects your tank, incoming and outgoing pipes and drain field. However, you need to think about more than size. Aggressive, fast-growing trees can cause more damage than slow-growing trees.

What Trees Can You Plant Near a Septic Tank?

Slow-growing, shallow-rooted trees are the best choice near a septic tank. You should still follow the placement rule, but these plants aren't as forceful when searching for water. This means they're less likely to cause damage. Trees safe to plant near a septic system include:

• Hemlock

• Ornamental cherries

• Lady palm

• Dogwood

• American holly

On the other hand, fast-growing trees search aggressively for water, especially when first planted. They're more likely to search out any weaknesses in pipes or tanks as they hunt for moisture. A septic system or landscape professional can give you more information about the trees that interest you.

Can You Plant Fruit Trees Near a Septic Tank?

Never plant anything edible near your septic system or drainage field. Bacteria can escape without you realizing, causing serious illness if you eat any affected produce.

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• What Is a Septic Inspection? (And How Do I Know If I Need One?)

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• Your Leaky Septic System Is a Hazard. Here's Why

• What Is a Percolation Test?

Tips for Landscaping Over a Septic Tank

Here are some tips for planting near a septic tank to keep the space intact and appealing.

Add a Root Barrier

Root barriers are simply underground walls that redirect roots without damaging them. Made of fabric or metal mesh, they allow water to pass through but discourage the tree's roots. You should still place the trees a good distance away from the tank, even with a root barrier.

Plant Choice

Shrubs and ground cover plants tend to have shallow roots that won't damage any septic infrastructure. Native trees are also a good option. They're adapted to local rainfall, so they're less likely to need more water than they get from nature.

Use Pots

Pots confine the roots to one spot and stop the plant from growing too big. There are even many trees that can comfortably grow in a pot. As an added bonus, pots are easier to move if you ever need to access the septic system for inspection or repairs.

Plant in the Drainage Field

Don't ignore your drainage field. Tall grasses and wildflowers in the drain field can absorb excess water, anchor soil in place and reduce the chance of flooding.