Landscaping Tips with a Septic System

The drainfield is a vital part of your septic system. Having the right landscaping on and around your system is important. Tree and shrubbery roots can grow into the drain lines and can cause your drainfield to fail. And if your drainfield fails, your system fails.

Here are some landscaping tips to help keep your drainfield out of harm's way:

DON'T:

• Plant a vegetable garden on or near the drainfield
• Put plastic sheets, bark, gravel or other fill over it
• Reshape or fill the ground surface over the drainfield and reserve area (a couple of inches of topsoil is generally okay)
• Make ponds on or near the septic system and reserve area

DO:

• Plant grass or keep existing native vegetation
• Direct all surface drainage away from the septic system
• Use shallow-rooted plants
• Avoid water-loving plants and trees
• Make sure the tank lid is secure