Typically from 10 up to14 feet from the edge of the pipe. Large shrubs and small trees with a trunk less than 36 inches in diameter at full maturity are permitted within the Outer Zone, however, it's recommended to plant trees even further away from the pipeline.
General rule of thumb for planting near pipes
Avoid planting directly over any marked pipes and septic systems, and be sure to maintain a safe distance. Roots will naturally grow towards water, even if it's the water in your plumbing lines, so it's helpful to know the growth habits of what you're planting.
To save pipes from future damage, there are a few general rules homeowners should follow while creating their landscaping plan. Try to plant as few trees as possible near the sewer lines. Plant trees and shrubs at least ten feet away from sewer lines.
Only plant shrubs or small plants with non-invasive roots. Install a root barrier - available from a hardware store and nurseries. Request a drainage plan from your local council or builder to find out exactly where your pipes are located. Locate medium to large trees or bushes approximately 3 metres from sewer pipes.
Do not plant near underground utility services. Tree roots can grow to interfere with underground pipes, cables and wires. Future repairs to these facilities also could damage the health and beauty of nearby plants and trees, or even require removal.
So, if a tree sits on the property line, it's considered common property and you are both owners. For this reason, you can't legally plant a tree on the property line without permission from your neighbor. It's best to plan trees three to four feet from all property lines to leave room for future growth.
Typically from 10 up to14 feet from the edge of the pipe.
Large shrubs and small trees with a trunk less than 36 inches in diameter at full maturity are permitted within the Outer Zone, however, it's recommended to plant trees even further away from the pipeline. Diameter is measured at chest height.
Tree roots grow wherever conditions are favourable. When tree roots come into contact with water or nutrients they will grow with increasing concentration. Tree roots will usually enter pipes that have a fault, which allows the tree to access the available water, nutrients and oxygen.
In a 2015 scientific study, the results showed that edible plants including vegetables, take up and accumulate phthalates* in the soil that are leached by chemicals like PVC. Toxic chemicals were found in the plant tissues of lettuce, strawberries and carrots, imposing human health risks through diet.
Recommended Trees and Bushes
The following bush species also have aggressive root systems: boxwood shrubs, holly bushes and shrubs, and ivy plants. Trees that are typically recommended near pipes include Amur maple, Japanese maple, dogwood, redbud, and fringetree.
You must get a build over agreement before starting any construction work. Retrospective agreements may not be approved if our pipework was not properly protected, as per our specifications. Without an agreement, you may have issues selling your property later.
Concrete pipe and PVC pipe may also allow root intrusion, but to a lesser extent than clay. PVC pipe usually has fewer and more tightly fitted joints which are less likely to leak as a result of settlement around the pipe.
Water pipe flushing is a straightforward process that involves pushing water at high pressure through your plumbing system to remove built-up sediments and contaminants.
All trees should be planted no closer than 10 feet from sewer or water lines. When trees are planted more closely, the roots can grow into the sewer, causing backups and flooding. Not only is this plumbing nightmare expensive, but exposure to raw sewage can cause illness and disease.
Not usually. While insurance may help cover damage to your property caused by tree roots, it generally won't cover costs associated specifically with the sewer lines.
Diagram 1: Once roots enter faults in pipes, they divide rapidly. In the past, it has sometimes been suggested that tree roots break or dislodge pipes and, whist this may occur in rare circumstances, the likelihood of it occurring are quite small.
Please be advised that building a structure over – or too close to – a natural gas pipeline is a safety hazard and an unacceptable building practice that may be in violation of federal pipeline safety regulations.
When tree roots come into contact with gas lines, they can cause them to crack or even break. Cracked pipes can lead to gas leaks that can be very dangerous and cause harm to people and property.
Root Barriers prevent invasive roots
These barriers are often made of a fabric or metal mesh material that prevents tree roots from growing through them. They allow water to pass through, but prevent large roots from causing damage. Some barriers are even made of a chemical that inhibits root growth for years.
You may not go onto the neighbor's property to prune the tree. You also shouldn't "return" the branches or foliage by disposing them in the neighbor's yard. If you trim the tree on your property line, you will also be responsible for waste removal.
As a minimum, make sure you're planting trees at least 50cm or half a meter from fence panels and walls. This is not because of the roots but the canopy. As the tree grows and matures, you need enough space for the canopy or branch structure on the top to fully form.