Are maple trees bad for septic systems?

Author: Max Connelly  |  Last update: Sunday, August 3, 2025

Maple Trees While they are beloved for their vibrancy and shade, their roots can spell trouble for septic systems. These trees have widespread shallow root systems, making them adept at invading underground pipes and tanks. Additionally, maple roots can disrupt drain fields, inhibiting proper wastewater filtration.

How close can you plant a maple tree to a septic tank?

As we mentioned in our previous blog, any trees or shrubs that you plant should be planted as far from the your septic system as they are tall. So a tree that reaches 30 feet in maturity will need to be planted at least 30 feet away from your septic system.

What trees can I plant near a septic system?

If you're insistent on growing trees and shrubs around your septic system, shallow-rooted kinds are best, such as: Dogwoods. Japanese maples. Eastern redbuds.

What will ruin a septic system?

Don't Put Anything Non-Biodegradable in Your Septic System

Cigarette butts. Disposable diapers. Paper towels.

How far should trees be from a septic tank?

Any tree you do plant should be located at least 20 to 50 feet away from the septic line. Shrubs should be at least 10 feet away. If you smell rotten eggs, your toilet is backing up, or your drains are slow, your septic line may be invaded by plant roots.

Septic Tanks And Tree Roots

What tree has the least invasive roots?

4 Types of Trees with Non-Invasive Roots that are Best for Your Yard
  • Japanese Maple.
  • Crape Myrtle.
  • Eastern Redbud.
  • Cornus Mas.
  • Serviceberry.
  • Kousa Dogwood.
  • Japanese Tree Lilac.
  • Dwarf Korean Lilac.

Why is it a problem to have trees near a septic tanks drain field?

When a tree root penetrates your septic tank, it absorbs the nutrients from the water inside the septic system. As a result, the root will also absorb the chemicals from that water. Not only could you be facing thousands of dollars in repairs, but the tree will be producing fruit that is unsafe to eat.

What eats sludge in a septic tank?

Enzymes go to work on the scum, and bacteria goes to work on the sludge. The microbes eat the waste and convert large portions of it into liquids and gases. This process allows the septic tank to push the now-treated wastewater out to the drainfield.

Is Dawn dish soap safe for septic tanks?

Yes, Dawn dish soap is generally safe for septic systems. It's got quite a reputation for being septic-friendly, and for good reason. As long as you're not going overboard with it, Dawn isn't likely to mess with the bacteria in your septic tank.

What is the most common cause of septic system failure?

Most septic systems malfunction because of inappropriate design or poor maintenance. Some soil-based systems (those with a drain field) are installed at sites with inadequate or inappropriate soils, excessive slopes, or high ground water tables.

How do you keep tree roots out of septic drain field?

Physical root barriers can be installed that prevent roots from reaching septic equipment. Of course, physical root barriers need to put in place before roots reach a drain field and cannot remedy a problem with tree roots that are already growing in the septic system's space.

What shrubs have shallow roots?

Boxwood (Buxus)

Boxwoods have shallow root systems, so they can easily be planted near your foundation without worry.

How to landscape over a septic system?

How to Landscape Around a Septic Tank
  1. Your septic system is a no digging, no tilling zone.
  2. Turfgrass is a “yes” with a footnote.
  3. If you choose native plants, go with dry prairie species.
  4. Build the veggie garden 10 feet away.
  5. Don't plant trees near the septic system.
  6. Only add mulch directly above the septic tank.

Are red maple roots invasive?

Norway Maples and Red Maples are also known for having a few roots surface here and there. However, they are far less aggressive than their other tree friends, so they can be placed closer to streets, buildings and more. Sugar Maples also like to spread their roots near the surface when in low, wet soil areas.

What is the best ground cover for a septic field?

Plant grass or keep existing native vegetation. These are the best covers for your drainfield. Direct all surface drainage away from the septic system. Use shallow-rooted plants (see plant list above).

How close to a house can you plant a maple tree?

I would not plant that tree close than 30 feet to a house because of the root system and the size of the canopy when it is mature. They are not small trees. The area under my large maple tree is completely bare of grass and is covered in surface roots.

Is Lysol toilet bowl cleaner safe for septic systems?

So, to sum it all up, Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaner and most other Lysol products are generally safe for septic systems if you use it like they tell you to. It cleans and disinfects well without hurting the good bacteria that your septic system needs. But remember, don't use too much of it or any cleaning stuff.

What laundry detergent is not safe for septic systems?

Generally speaking, you'll want to avoid products that contain phosphates, chlorine bleach, or ammonia, as these can harm the natural bacteria in your septic tank. In addition to choosing the right detergent, it's important to be mindful of how much you use.

Is vinegar safe for septic systems?

Vinegar is nothing short of a miracle cleaner, and you likely already have it in your kitchen cupboard. It's 100 percent natural, free of toxic chemicals, and safe for your septic system. However, vinegar is potent and must be diluted, so it doesn't damage sensitive surfaces in your home.

What eats toilet paper in a septic tank?

Septic systems rely on bacteria inside the tank that works to break down toilet paper and solid waste. As the solids get broken down, they are transformed into sludge that settles at the very bottom of the tank.

What ruins the Drainfield?

Heavy traffic, parking, or construction operations over the drain field can compact the soil in the region surrounding the drain field, which can impair the soil's capacity to treat wastewater properly. Compacted soil impairs proper effluent percolation, resulting in poor drainage and wastewater backup.

What is the best thing to put in your septic tank to keep it clean?

Use a Septic System Additive

Waste & Grease Eco-Friendly Digestant makes it easy to maintain a clean and sanitized home environment as well as a healthy bacteria population in your septic tank. Monthly use of Waste & Grease Eco-Friendly Digestant will help reduce surface and bottom solids in the septic tank.

How do I keep tree roots out of my septic tank?

There are special chemicals designed to kill tree roots in a septic tank system so they don't grow back. Copper sulfate septic treatments are the most common. This method is especially effective as it creates a poison barrier within the soil that kills the tree roots before they can grow into the pipe.

What can you put over a septic drain field?

Grass is the ideal cover for drainfields. Grasses can be ornamental, mowed in a traditional lawn, or in an unmowed meadow. Or, you can try groundcovers and fems. The key to planting over the drainfield is to select shallow-rooted, low-maintenance, low-water-use plants.

Can heavy rain affect septic drain field?

Heavy rain poses another potential problem to the septic system's drain field. As the rain comes down, it can collect inside this component. If the drain field becomes saturated, it will be unable to absorb wastewater properly. The water won't have anywhere else to go, and it can potentially overflow your septic tank.

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