If you have a septic system, you may wonder what you can do with your yard. Rest assured, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through the basics of landscaping to protect your septic system and property.

How Landscaping Can Affect Your Septic System

The septic system has two main parts: a tank and the drain field. The septic tank is where solid waste is stored before breaking down. The liquid wastewater flows through the drain field through a network of pipes buried underground in gravel-filled trenches.

As the liquid seeps through the pipes, natural bacteria and the surrounding soil capture harmful substances before they reach groundwater. This crucial process protects people and the planet, but since your drain field is just 6 to 18 inches below ground, you can see why landscaping could pose a threat.

Trees and Shrub Roots

Roots seek out water, which can cause root invasion that breaks through pipes. If they burst your sewer line, then you run the risk of mass contamination. This isn’t just a biohazard, but it’s also a nightmare that generally requires you to have your yard dug up.

Roots that invade pipes also cause backup, so wastewater isn’t leaving your property, and it may return to toilets and drains. To prevent this from happening, plant any rooted trees or shrubs as far away as the tree’s expected mature height. In other words, if you plant a maple tree and expect it to grow 50 feet, keep it at least 50 feet from your drain field and pipes.

Shrubs are less risky than trees, but you should still garden with caution around a septic system. Make sure they’re at least 15 feet from your pipes. Another rule to follow is to double the height of the shrub. If it’s 3 feet tall, plant it at least 6 feet away.

Avoid Planting Edible Plants Over Your Drain Field

You never want to consume vegetables or fruits planted where wastewater flows. Even though your septic system carries wastewater, all of the harmful bacteria that leak from the pipes could contaminate your plants.

This applies to all edible plants, but especially underground vegetables, like potatoes and carrots. You should also avoid installing raised garden beds over your drain field, as the extra soil depth interferes with natural evaporation. Your drain field relies on proper air circulation to produce beneficial bacteria, so you don’t want to obstruct it.

When to Seek Out Professional Care

If you notice foul smells, poor drainage, or strange sounds in your drain, it’s a good idea to contact a professional plumber to inspect your septic system.

Don’t let small problems turn into major repairs; contact the team at Billingsley & Brooks Septic Tank Co in Greensboro, NC, for fast, efficient septic service.