While routine septic service will keep your system functioning properly, the way you care for your property can improve its performance and longevity. Many homeowners wonder if they can install landscaping over their septic system’s drain field to beautify the area. While this is possible, there are some important caveats to be aware of.

Benefits of Drain Field Landscaping

When done right, installing plant life over the drain field can protect your septic system by helping prevent soil erosion, as plant roots help keep soil from washing away during rainstorms. Grass can also remove excess moisture from the ground, which will keep the drain field from oversaturating the area as it releases treated water into the soil. Plus, a green lawn can increase the curb appeal of your property.

Plants to Use

When landscaping your drain field, you are essentially limited to turfgrass, because it does not have large or aggressive roots that could damage the drain field. Shallow rooted annual or perennial flowers are also acceptable.

Choose grass or flowers that do well in local conditions, such as the seep monkeyflower or Western bleeding heart, so they won’t need help from fertilizers. Plants with deep, aggressive roots—particularly trees and bushes—should not be planted over the drain field, as the roots can penetrate and crush pipes as well as drain lines.

Preventing Damage

Even when planting grass, you must take precautions to avoid needing emergency septic service later. Do not apply extra soil to the area, unless you are filling an eroded section, as the excess soil could trap moisture and cause the area to become oversaturated.

Do not use a rototiller to prepare the soil, or till deeply, as drain lines are often a mere six inches below the surface. Using a rototiller could cut open the drain lines and flood the yard. Spread seeds and apply a thin layer of topsoil to ensure healthy growth. To further protect your drain field, minimize foot traffic in the area.

Having a drain field in your yard doesn’t have to hinder your green thumb. If you run into a problem while planting, you can count on American Sewer & Septic Service in Albany, OR, to solve the issue. Serving residential and commercial clients in Benton and Linn counties, this licensed plumber is available 24/7 to help with anything from routine septic service to emergency plumbing problems. To learn more about their services, visit them online or call (541) 926-1185.