The most important reason you should not install a
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.
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. Planting away from, and next to is okay.
Here are some options to consider: Herbaceous plants, such as annuals, perennials, bulbs and ornamental grasses are generally the best choices for use on a septic drain field. Ornamental grasses also offer the advantages of having a fibrous root system that holds soil in place and providing year-round cover.
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.
You can plant grasses and other shallow-rooted flowers and plants directly on top of a septic field. Keep trees away from a septic tank and field. The tree's height in feet indicates how far the tree should be from the system.
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.
Unfortunately, placing raised beds over the drainage area isn't a good solution either. The added soil depth of the beds may inhibit evaporation and limit the effectiveness of the septic system.
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.
Fruit Trees, Japanese Maples and Oak Trees
This is going to damage your home's water flow, and the entire septic system. However, if you are careful, you can put trees with non-invasive, shallow roots in the area around your drain field and septic tank. Some examples include crabapples and white oaks.
Even mulch or bark over the drainfield is not recommended, because it reduces air exchange and retains water.
The septic tank is often buried about six feet deep and ten feet away from the building. A septic tank has two chambers. The solids are collected in the first chamber which settles to the bottom of the tank, while the fats and oils float to the top.
Food Waste
Sending food items down your drains is never a good idea. If your home relies on a septic tank, even using a garbage disposal can end up causing problems for your system. While any food waste is risky, the following items are particularly hazardous: Coffee grounds.
Don't: Plant a vegetable garden on or near the drainfield. Put plastic sheets, bark, gravel or other fill over the drainfield. Reshape or fill the ground surface over the drainfield and reserve area.
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.
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.
In general, a septic tank should be inspected every 1 to 3 years and pumped every 3 to 5 years.
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.
The only things that should be flushed down the toilet are wastewater and toilet paper. Do not put cigarette butts, paper towels, sanitary tampons, condoms, disposable diapers, anything plastic or similar non-biodegradables into a septic tank system.
Perennial flowers, such as daylilies and peonies, can be grown; however, extra care must be taken to mulch or plant close together so soil will not be exposed and erode. Low maintenance plants that do not need tending and care (remember minimal traffic on the mound) are best.
In general: Your septic tank and leach field should be 100% within your property line, so putting a fence on the outside edge of your property won't be a problem as you won't hit either the leach field or the septic tank. If you want to run a fence through the leach field, beware!
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.
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.