Can you plant a garden near a septic tank?

Author: Mrs. Cydney Morar  |  Last update: Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Follow Septic Sam's landscaping do's and don'ts: Don't: Plant a vegetable garden on or near the drainfield. Put plastic sheets, bark, gravel or other fill over the drainfield.

How far should a garden be from a septic tank?

Build the veggie garden 10 feet away

If you plant them in the septic system area, you are exposed to foot traffic, digging, and a surplus of water that can affect its function. Even more importantly, growing vegetables on a drain field is simply unsanitary.

Is it safe to have a garden near a septic tank?

Planting gardens over, near and around septics is okay as long as the roots are shallow and are of plants that do not like water, except vegetable gardens. We do not recommend planting vegetable gardens over septic sytems and thier drain fields.

What plants are safe to plant near a septic tank?

Choose plants with shallow roots, such as ornamental grasses, groundcovers, annuals, or perennials like azaleas, hydrangeas, lavender, or hollyhocks. Avoid most trees, shrubs, or water-loving plants with deep roots. Aggressively growing roots can damage the septic system.

How to landscape around septic tanks?

Perennials and grasses (including ornamental grasses) work best around your septic tank and drain field. Their shallow root systems are less likely to invade the underground system and cause it damage. For the same reason, small, non-woody ground covers are a good choice.

Can I Grow Vegetables over my Septic System & more Gardening Questions Answered

Can I plant flowers over a septic field?

“The most suitable plants to grow on top of septic system disposal fields and fill extensions is grass. It is also permissible to grow flowers, but only if the soil is not roto-tilled and minimal watering is done.

How far away from septic to plant trees?

So if you expect your tree to grow to 50 feet, plant it at least 50 feet away from all parts of your septic system, including the drainfield.

Can you plant a vegetable garden over septic lines?

Follow Septic Sam's landscaping do's and don'ts: Don't: Plant a vegetable garden on or near the drainfield. Put plastic sheets, bark, gravel or other fill over the drainfield.

How often should a septic tank be pumped?

Household septic tanks are typically pumped every three to five years. Alternative systems with electrical float switches, pumps, or mechanical components should be inspected more often, generally once a year.

What shrubs have shallow roots?

Boxwood (Buxus)

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

How far should septic be from house?

Typically, septic tanks are installed below ground level within 10-25 feet from the house, but they must be a certain distance away from any creeks, rivers, ponds, wells, paved surfaces, trees, and structures such as homes, patios, and decks.

Is it safe to eat food grown over a septic tank?

Vegetable gardening over a leach field is a bad idea. Though properly functioning septic systems won't contaminate the soil with harmful pathogens, there is no easy way to guarantee that the crops grown over a leach field will be safe to eat.

Can you plant fruit trees near a septic field?

You don't want to plant any kind of tree on your drain field. The roots are going to clog the field and you will over time have back up of sewerage.

How far down should water be in septic tank?

In this scenario, the tank will be full within 7-10 days, which is right in line with ACE's recommended levels. For a normal operating system, the fluid level should always be only about 8-10 inches below the inlet pipe on the tank.

Can you put mulch over a septic field?

Even mulch or bark over the drainfield is not recommended, because it reduces air exchange and retains water.

What can you put over a septic tank?

Grass or herbaceous vegetation that can be disturbed should be planted over the tank, so you won't hesitate to damage them. The roots of grass and other herbaceous plants can help remove excess moisture and nutrients and help the septic system work efficiently.

Can a septic tank go 20 years without being pumped?

In general, a septic tank should be inspected every 1 to 3 years and pumped every 3 to 5 years.

What brand of toilet paper is septic safe?

Cottonelle UltraComfortcare is clog-free, septic-safe, and sewer-safe. Cottonelle uses renewable plant-based fibers, which makes this toilet paper biodegradable and great for your septic system. They do not contain any harsh ingredients or chemicals, so should not disrupt the delicate balance in your septic system.

What are the signs that your septic tank is full?

How can you tell if your septic tank is full?
  • You have trouble flushing your toilet, or it's constantly backing up. ...
  • Your pipes make a gurgling sound or drain very slowly. ...
  • Your lawn is suddenly growing lush, green grass. ...
  • Water starts to pool in your yard. ...
  • Your home or yard smells like… well, sewage.

What plants are good around septic tanks?

Plants safe for Septic Systems
  • Sedge.
  • Lawn turf grass.
  • Weeping grass.

How close can you plant next to a septic tank?

For example, a 20-foot-tall tree should be planted at least 20 feet away from the septic tank. Some trees need to be located even further from a septic tank. Trees with roots that grow very aggressively damage septic tanks and pipes even if they are located far away.

Can you have a garden if you have a septic tank?

The best plants for a septic field garden are herbaceous, shallow-rooted plants such as the grasses mentioned above and other perennials and annuals that will not damage or clog the septic pipes. It's more difficult to plant trees and shrubs over a septic field than shallow-rooted plants.

How far is it from a septic tank to a garden?

While there is no hard and fast rule, and it will depend on many factors, it is a best practice to have any produce or fruit trees at least 10 feet from the perimeter of the leach field to avoid having the vegetables interact with incompletely cleaned water.

How to landscape over a septic tank?

The Dos and Don'ts of Landscaping Around Your Septic Tank
  1. Do use faux rocks.
  2. Don't use heavy objects.
  3. Do plant ornamental grasses.
  4. Don't plant large shrubs or trees.
  5. Do put a planter over the lid.
  6. Don't bury the septic tank lid.
  7. Do use an ornamental vent cover.
  8. Don't block your septic system vent.

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.

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