Planting flowers, trees, and shrubs may seem like an easy home improvement task, but if your home has a septic tank, you can inadvertently cause damage without the right care. Many trees and other greenery feature extensive root systems that can infiltrate your tank, pipes, and drain field, resulting in cracks, leaks, and contamination issues. Here’s a closer look at what you should and shouldn’t plant over this delicate system.

A Guide to Planting When You Have a Septic Tank

What’s Good to Plant

Any tree, shrub, flower, or herb with a shallow root system provides soil stabilization benefits and will not interfere with your septic system. Wildflowers add color to your property without the serious upkeep, such as bluestars, black-eyed Susans, and coneflowers. Non-woody perennials and groundcovers, including daffodils, bee balm, and wild violets, also provide worry-free options for homes with a septic tank and drain field.

While it is best to stick to groundcovers, shallow ornamental grasses, and perennials, there are numerous trees and shrubs you can plant over drain fields. The best trees with shallow roots include dogwood, cherry, and Japanese maple trees, while ideal shrubs include azalea, boxwood, and holly.

What You Shouldn’t Plant

Large, quick-growing shrubs, trees, and plants with extensive root systems should not be planted anywhere near your septic tank and drain field. They find new water sources fast, such as drain field wastewater. Among the worst woody perennial offenders are beech, birch, elm, and ash trees as well as non-Japanese maples. Willow trees and shrubs must also be avoided in addition to large pond grasses that need a lot of water. And while prairie grasses can seem appealing because they don’t require mowing, their long, thick root systems make them a poor choice.

Vegetables and fruit trees must also be planted far from your septic system. Even if certain herbs or vegetables have shallow roots, the bacteria from septic tank waste and chemicals cause contamination. This is especially true of root crops such as carrots, parsnips, and beets. 

To keep your home running smoothly, trust Reliable Septic Services Inc. The Savannah, GA, company has provided local residents with septic tank pumping, installation, repair, and professional advice since 2004. Call (912) 604-3088 today to schedule a consultation or visit the website to learn more about the team.