How to Plant Trees Near a Conventional Septic System
Planning your landscape and the type of trees you plant near a conventional septic system is essential to ensure no damage to the system in later years. Tree roots can burrow into a conventional septic system. The roots cause a great deal of damage that result in costly repairs or even a replacement of the septic system. Take into consideration the tree's potential growth and root system when adding new trees to your landscape. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Locate your current conventional septic system. Ask the previous homeowner about the location. Ask the building contractor, if your home is new, to come back to the property and show you the location of the system.
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Place stakes in the ground around the perimeter of the conventional septic system. Tie twine to the stakes to clearly mark the location.
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Select the type of trees you wish to add to your landscape. Ask the local gardening shop owner the average height of each type of tree. Write down these heights on a piece of paper.
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Use a tape measure to measure the distance from the conventional septic system to the tree planting location. The expected height of the tree is the distance it should be planted from the system. For example, if the tree is expected to grow 10 feet, plant it 10 feet away from the system.
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Place a stake in the ground to mark the planting location for the tree.
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Dig the holes twice the normal recommended depth for each tree. This will allow additional space for the roots to prevent spreading into the drainage area of the conventional septic system.
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Plant your trees. Fill the holes with the loose dirt removed when digging the hole.
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Tips & Warnings
Dogwood, white oak, red oak, cherry and crabapple trees are best to be planted near conventional septic systems.
Trees need less watering near a conventional septic system drainage area because the area is typically much wetter than other areas of the yard.
