Landscaping Dos and Don’ts with a Septic System

At Septic Blue of Charlotte, we are a reputable septic company with years of hands-on experience in the industry. We understand what it takes to keep your septic system in good working condition. To help you prevent septic system damage, we’ve put together a list of landscaping do’s and don’ts.

Do’s

• Be Mindful Of Your Plants

If you plant trees too close to your septic system, the roots may invade your septic tank and other components of your septic system and cause damage. To be safe, opt for shallow-rooted herbaceous plants like grasses, perennials, and annuals. Other trees and shrubs should be planted as far away from the septic system as the tree will be when it’s fully grown. In other words, a tree needs to be at least as many feet away from your septic system as it is tall. For example, a tree that typically grows 20 feet tall should be planted at least 20 feet away from the system.

• Mark the Location of Your Access Hatch

It’s a good idea to mark the access location of your access hatch with potted plants, a lawn ornament, or a riser cover. This makes it easier to identify the area when it comes time to inspect your system or pump the septic tank.

Don’ts

• Don’t put gravel, plastic sheets, bark, or other fill over the drainfield

Putting heavy items over the drainfield not only prevents proper drainage from the septic tank to drainfield, but may also cause the soil to compact and damage the intricate workings of the drainfield. Soil compaction prevents oxygen from getting into the soil, thereby causing the aerobic bacteria to die. It also interferes with the natural flow of liquids through the soil. Also, do not encourage high foot traffic over your drainfield, as it could cause soil compaction.

• Do not plant any type of vegetation over your drainfield

This is a bad idea as it may cause bacterial contamination from the effluent, and plants with deeper roots can damage the drainfield pipes.

• Do Not Plant Fast-Growing or Deep-Rooted Trees Near Your Septic System

While grasses may not harm your septic tank as they have shallow roots, fast-growing and deep-rooted trees can damage your septic system. These trees should be planted a minimum of 50 feet away from your septic system. If you’re not sure about the safe distance to plant your trees, consult with a landscaping professional.

Need Dependable Septic Service? Call Septic Blue of Charlotte

If you’re looking for a professional septic company that provides high-quality septic services, reach out to Septic Blue of Charlotte. Here at Septic Blue of Charlotte, we offer a full array of septic services for homeowners and businesses in the areas we serve. From septic tank installation to septic tank repair, septic tank cleaning, septic tank repair, and septic tank maintenance, we do it all.