Long-term homeowners know the damage roots can cause to a septic system. While trees can be a beautiful feature of a yard, their roots can dig into septic systems and require costly maintenance. The guide below explains how trees damage septic systems and what can be done to stop this from happening.

How Trees Damage Septic Systems

As tree roots dig deep into the earth to create a stable foundation for the tree, smaller feeder roots expand in search of moisture and nutrients. The feeder roots typically remain in the top three inches of the soil, only to venture lower for richer resources. As roots come close to nutrient-rich septic tanks, septic lines, or your septic system’s drainage field, they continue growing in an attempt to absorb as much sustenance as possible.

When the pressure against your septic system’s PVC or concrete piping becomes too great, the pipes will crack, allowing the roots to enter into the system. Septic tanks are sturdy and won’t have this problem unless there is already a crack, or if a steady leak is detected by the roots.

How to Prevent Tree Damage

An effective way to prevent trees from damaging your septic system is to keep any trees as far as possible from your property’s septic system. As a general rule, a tree’s height should dictate its distance from your septic system. For instance, a tree that’s 50 feet tall should be 50 feet from your septic system.

The type of tree can also make a difference. Oaks and maples extend roots for hundreds of feet. Smaller trees with limited root structures, such as cherry and dogwood, are ideal for a property with a septic system.

Preventing roots from entering the septic zone is a primary concern. If roots have already penetrated the area, then consider copper sulfate, an effective root killer. It will not harm the tree, but it does discourage roots from entering the area. Root barriers are concrete or plastic walls built into the earth. Since roots don’t go very deep, the barrier can extend as little as eight inches into the soil. Don’t use wood as a barrier, since it will rot, and the roots will bypass it easily.

To guarantee the safety of your septic system, remove any trees from the vicinity of your septic system. The trees can be replanted in another part of the property, or they can be replaced by other trees with shallower root structures.

If you’re looking for a septic system installation or tree removal specialist, contact the experts at H.C. Eavers & Sons Excavating in Stuarts Draft, VA. For more than 50 years, they’ve provided businesses and homeowners with excavating, hauling, and site grading services. Call (540) 337-1286 to get a free quote, or visit them online to learn more about their services.