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Homeowners who have a septic leach field on their property are often confused about the proper protocol for planting over it. If your household operates off of a septic tank, it’s important to note that vegetation can help your leaching system perform better by preventing erosion and absorbing excess moisture from the soil. However, not all types of vegetation are suitable covering for leach fields. Thus, it’s important to learn what is safe and what could be harmful before you start to grow anything. 

Herbaceous Plants  

leach fieldHerbaceous plants, such as perennials, grasses, annuals, and biennials, tend to grow the best over a leach field. This is because their shallow roots aren’t likely to invade a septic system and cause damage. Nonwoody ground cover plants are a good choice for this same reason. These require minimal maintenance, which is ideal for a leach field since you don’t want to be digging in this area regularly. The specific type of plant you decide to cover your leach field with will depend on the growing conditions on your property, but a few suggestions include peonies, daylilies, Kentucky bluegrass, and tall fescue grass.

Vegetables, Trees, & Shrubs

In general, it might not be a good idea to grow vegetables over a leach field because of the potential for contamination from harmful bacteria. However, some people find success with vegetable gardens, as long as they plant in clay soil, place plants between drainage lines, and stick to fruit-bearing vegetables. It’s recommended that you avoid planting trees and shrubs over a septic system, however, as well as anywhere nearby. Their root systems can easily infiltrate septic tanks and create serious problems. Those who insist on growing trees and shrubs should stick to ones with shallow roots, such as cherry or dogwood trees, holly shrubs, and azalea bushes.

 

While it’s possible and even advisable to plant over a leach field, it’s vital that you choose the right plant to grow. For expert guidance on maintaining septic systems and leach fields, the residents of Kodiak, AK, turn to MK Enterprises. They provide a range of septic services to keep systems running safely and efficiently and can help determine the best approach for planting around septic tanks. Contact them at (907) 486-5537 to speak with a friendly representative, or visit their website for a full list of their services.  

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