Those with septic systems at home know that they often require a little extra maintenance to keep them functional. Between pumping and regular maintenance from a plumber, though, you may be wondering if there’s a way to beautify the open area of your drain field. While there is certainly a risk of soil compaction, which could place too much strain on the tank, a well-informed gardener could landscape over their drain field and enjoy many benefits from it. Below is a quick guide to how plants fare when planted on a drain field.

What Do You Need to Know About Drain Field Landscaping?

Understand the Benefits

When you plant the right foliage over your drain field, you’ll reap a variety of benefits. Grasses and flowers with fibrous roots will act as a natural cover for your drain field, camouflaging it and protecting it from the elements. Landscaping also prevents erosion and regulates moisture levels in the soil. 

Choose the Right Plants

When you landscape directly over your drain field, choose plants and flowers with shallow root systems that won’t block or damage your septic system. Among these include ornamental grasses, perennials, and bulbs, such as golden sedges, foxgloves, and dahlias. Stay away from trees, shrubs, and other plants with sturdier roots; they may grow downward into your septic tank, causing cracks, leaks, and repairs from your plumber. Additionally, they increase the chances of soil compaction, which interferes with the flow of oxygen and breakdown of waste.

Plan Carefully

As you plan your landscape design, keep in mind that your septic tank may sit as little as six inches below the surface. Don’t add extra soil to the area, as it may compact, which causes issues with the functionality of the system. Choose plants and flowers that require minimal maintenance to keep foot traffic to a minimum. 

Keep your septic systems healthy and functional by working with the plumbers at Wild West Plumbing Heating & Drain Service. This family-owned and -operated team provides repairs for faucets, drains, toilets, pipes, garbage disposals, water heaters, and sump pumps in the Flathead Valley region. Additionally, they offer HVAC repairs and maintenance to keep homes in Kalispell, Whitefish, Columbia Falls, Bigfork, and Lakeside comfortable through all four seasons. Call (406) 752-1244 to request emergency service from their plumbers and heating contractors. Visit them online to learn more about frozen pipe and drain repairs.