6 Things to Know About Landscaping Around Your Septic Tank

You probably already knew that putting certain substances like paint and grease into your septic system could cause damage to your septic tank. However, you may not know that you can also damage your septic system through certain landscaping practices.

The following are six things to know about landscaping around your septic tank so that you don't inadvertently cause problems or damage.

1. Location of Access Port

While you may want to disguise the access port of your septic tank with your landscaping, you must not cover it up completely. You need to know where the access port is for septic tank cleanings and service.

One way to disguise your access port without completely hiding it is using a landscaping feature such as a birdbath or any stationary lawn ornament to mark out its location.

2. Characteristics of Safe Vegetation

Certain types of vegetation can grow above and around a septic tank without increasing the likelihood of septic tank damage. You want to limit vegetation over your septic tank to small plants with roots that do not penetrate the ground too deeply.

You also want to limit vegetation above your tank to plants without heavy water demands. The roots of water-craving plants grow down to pipes and potentially penetrate pipes in pursuit of water.

Select drought-resistant perennials if you want to plant any vegetation other than grass over your septic tank.

3. Characteristics of Potentially Damaging Trees

You definitely shouldn't plant large shrubbery or trees anywhere near your septic tank. 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. Trees with roots that grow very aggressively damage septic tanks and pipes even if they are located far away. A few examples of such trees are bamboo, cypress, pine, poplar, and elm trees.

4. Prevention of Grazing

Animals grazing over your septic tank and drain field can cause damage to your system. Grazing animals eat away protective vegetation over your drain field and expose components of your septic system. If you live in an area with a lot of wildlife, take precautions to prevent grazing above your septic tank.

You can discourage grazing over your septic tank in a variety of ways. You can place fencing or landscaping features around your septic tank area to keep animals out. You can also use animal repellents around your drain field that keep animals away by giving off unpleasant noises or smells.

5. Prevention of Vehicle or Foot Traffic

Any type of traffic above your septic tank is problematic. Your landscaping should be designed and your yard laid out so that vehicles never drive over the area where your septic tank is located. Anything heavy like a vehicle creates pressure on the ground above your septic tank and thereby causes damage.

Foot traffic can damage a septic tank in addition to vehicle traffic. Don't place pathways for foot traffic up above your septic tank. Instead, divert foot traffic around the area wherever possible.

6. Placement of Architectural Features

You may wish to add architectural features like retaining walls, stone walkways, or fire pits to your landscaping. However, heavy architectural features up above your septic tank create problems like septic tank leaks and pipe ruptures.

If you add architectural features to your landscaping, make sure that you keep such features well away from your septic tank.

Learn more about keeping your septic tank in good shape by getting in touch with us at Walters Environmental Services.