Landscaping Your Septic System Information Page

Plan drainage in your landscaping so as to channel water away from septic systems. Keep trees 100 feet or more away from septic systems, lest invasive roots cause problems (i.e., by getting into the perforated pipe). Willow trees are notorious for causing damage to septic systems and should be kept even further away.  Grass can be planted on your drainfield to fight erosion.  Do not drive over the drainfield (especially with heavy equipment). This can compact the soil and hurt the soil's ability to treat waste.  Do not cover the drainfield with concrete or asphalt.  It is never too early to start thinking about landscaping your septic system. You should actually determine the best location for the septic system BEFORE deciding where to build your home. Very few people are aware of this, but it can actually save you a lot of money in some cases.  Any plants that you choose in your landscaping should have non-invasive roots. Roots that invade your septic area can damage or break pipes. Grasses are a good choice, because of their evapo-transpiration rates. Meadow grasses with mixed wildflowers are also an attractive cover for your septic system and they don't require regular mowing.  Some people have a reserve area, in case their septic system fails. Make sure to keep this area free of construction, in case you need it later on.  Avoid construction projects in your septic system area, as they can damage or block access to septic system components.  Do not make ponds on or near the septic system and the reserve area.  Try to maximize the exposure of your drainfield to sunlight and wind currents to improve its performance. Planting tall trees near the drainfield is not advisable.  Many states are now requiring inspection pipes and covers be exposed. There are some very good reasons for this, however, they can be an eyesore. There is a website at http://www.fakerock.com which offers an excellent landscaping solution to this problem. Their fake rocks, available in a variety of shapes and colors, are great for covering these and many other types of eyesores around your house.  Finally, you will want to make sure to clearly mark all of your septic system components.  As you may know from researching this topic, failing septic systems are a major financial and environmental problem in this country. Expensive septic repairs can often run from $5,000 to $20,000 or more and a large number of systems are failing throughout the country. For news stories related to failing septic systems and tightening regulations you can go to: http://www.laundry-alternative.com/failingseptic.htm You also can't sell your home if it has a failing system. For more information on how to properly maintain your septic system, go to: http://www.laundry-alternative.com/septic_system_maintenance.htm