Expert Guide To Planting Around Your Septic Tank
Planting
in the area around your
septic tank, including the leach field area, has a number of benefits. Plant roots help to stabilise the soil in the leach field, preventing unwanted erosion. Furthermore, plants can take up excess moisture and nutrients, assisting in sewage processing. A challenge for many septic tank owners is to work out which plant species will be best for planting in the immediate vicinity of the septic tank.
To help, we've put together a guide that details the type of plants that will work best in the leach field area and a number of "don'ts" to ensure you avoid planting species that might harm your septic tank.
What To Plant In The Area Around Your Septic Tank
Ideally, the plants surrounding your septic tank need to be hardy. They require minimal maintenance - even a dedicated gardener usually doesn't want to spend too much time tending the area near the tank! Plants such as grasses and perennials are great choices for the septic tank plot. Fast to grow and resistant to poor weather and less-than-ideal soil conditions, grasses, in particular, develop a dense fibre of roots that traps soil particles efficiently, minimising the risk of unwanted erosion.
Should You Plant Trees In The Septic Tank Area?
In most cases, tree planting isn't recommended. This is because tree roots are naturally attracted to water. They can also grow several metres in length. This means that, even if you plant your tree some considerable distance from the septic tank, there's a risk that the hydrophilic (water-loving) roots will grow towards it or the tank pipes.
Trees with shallow root systems, such as Swamp Oak, Willow Myrtle, Japanese Maple or River Red Gums are all good options for planting close to a tank. Similarly, shallow-rooted shrubs (try Oleander, Globosum, Callery Pear or Crepe Myrtle) work well as cover for soil near a septic tank.
We recommend planting densely, as exposed soil is more likely to be eroded than soil that's covered with foliage.
Which Plants To Avoid
There are some plants that we don't suggest using for septic tank planting. Obviously, nobody should plant anything that's going to be eaten - vegetables, fruit, herbs or edible flowers all need to be grown elsewhere, where there is no risk of contamination from the tank.
Avoid any plants that require a large amount of water - they are more likely to develop deep root systems and grow towards the tank's pipe network, increasing the risk of root incursion into your septic tank system.
Contact Shrek Septic Services
If you need any further information about suitable plant options for your leach field or have any other queries about septic tank placement, fitting, repair, or maintenance,
get in touch with the
team
at
Shrek Septic Services. Our septic tank professionals can tell you exactly how to get the best from your septic tank installation.
