How to Plant a Shrub by a Septic Tank

Shrubs and trees can clog septic pipes causing dangerous sewage seepage.

Whether you are trying to cover up an ugly mound or just want to add height to your property, it is tempting to plant a shrub or tree near a septic tank. Even when planted away from the system, tree and shrub roots can enter drainpipes and cause costly clogs. Before planting, do proper research on the types of trees or shrubs you can use near septic systems.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Flashing
• Compost

Instructions

1. Dig a two-foot deep trench and lay flashing in it when planting trees and shrubs close to a septic field. This prevents the roots from entering the septic system's drainpipes.

2. Plant shallow-rooted plants for use around septic tanks. Plants should tolerate salt and water. Good shrub choices include boxwoods, bee balm, yarrow, columbine, pine, cherry, oaks, sourwood, crabapple, hemlock, dogwoods, serissa and holly.

3. Till in compost and other soil-loosening items to gives shrub and tree roots a place they can easily send out roots. This makes them less likely to invade the lines.

4. Plant rambling or tall shrubs such as roses to cover unsightly septic tank mounds.

Tips & Warnings

• Call your county extension office for a list of suitable shrubs and trees to plant around septic systems.

• Use caution when planting food crops over and around septic systems. Such placement is safer for ornamental trees, shrubs and flowers.

• Additional plants to consider include purple coneflower, field pussytoes, wild geranium, sundial lupine, showy goldenrod, black-eyed Susan, troublesome sedge, switchgrass, prairie dropseed, Indian wood oats, nodding wild onion, June grass, prairie brome, little bluestem, bearberry, hardhack, coral berry, maple leaf viburnum, downy arrowwood and climbing rose.

• Always wear gloves and wash your hands and clothes after working around septic systems.

• Be careful to avoid damaging the septic lines when digging.

• Avoid planting hard to move specimens in case maintenance ever required on the septic system.

References

• Walter Reeves: Plants for Septic Fields
• Inspect A Pedia: Guide to Planting Trees or Shrubs Over or Near Septic System Components

Resources

• Purdue University: Purdue Extension: Landscaping Over Septic Systems with Native Plants