What is the best tree to plant near a sewer line?

Author: Dr. Ada Bogan Jr.  |  Last update: Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Golden raintree is a recommended tree for urban landscapes near sewer lines. Smoketree is a unique, diminutive tree with a small root system.

Can I plant a tree over a sewer line?

Plant trees and shrubs at least ten feet away from sewer lines. Bear in mind that this does not necessarily guarantee no root intrusion issues down the line: some tree species are able to reach sewer lines nearly 100 feet away. Choose types of trees with close-spreading roots that pose little threat to sewer lines.

What to plant near a sewer?

When considering what to plant near sewer pipes, especially over drain fields, opting for shallow-rooted plants is key. Grasses and small, non-invasive ground covers are ideal, as they pose minimal risk to underground systems. For instance, ornamental grasses, clover, or creeping thyme can be safely planted.

Which tree should be grown around the drains and why?

Willows and poplars, sycamore and elm. They are water-loving, grow fast, and have deep, extensive roots. They can cope for periods of dry. Adults are large and have the capacity to filter, break down, or store toxins. The process is called phytore...

Which tree causes the most pipe damage?

Here is a list of some of the trees that are most likely to cause damage to your home's plumbing system.
  • Aspen. Aspens are fast growing trees and could therefore grow very quickly toward water and sewer lines. ...
  • Birch. ...
  • Elm. ...
  • Maple. ...
  • Oak. ...
  • Sycamore. ...
  • Willow.

Don't plant trees near sewer lines

Do tree roots break sewer lines?

In some cases, tree roots can cause sewer pipes to crack or even collapse if enough pressure is on the pipe.

Which tree absorbs the most pollution?

Needles clean air for many years

"The various species differed more than we expected. Larch, which is a conifer that sheds its needles each autumn, was best in test. Larch trees absorbed the most particle-bound pollutants, but were also good at capturing gaseous PAHs," says Jenny Klingberg. What is this?

How close to a drain can you plant a tree?

Woodland planting may only be carried out at distances greater than 10.0 metres from the pipe or sewer.

Which tree roots damage foundations?

According to one study on tree root foundation damage, Oak species account for 11 percent of all foundation problems cited by property owners. Live oaks, Shumard red oaks, chestnut oaks, and other species have shallow roots that leach large quantities of nutrients and water from the soil.

Will tree roots grow around pipes?

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.

What plants are good for sewage?

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

What tree has the smallest root system?

Trees with Shallow Roots
  • Red Maples.
  • Silver Maples.
  • Willows.
  • Birches.
  • Poplars.

How do you landscape around a sewer drain?

Now that you know where the sewer line is, you can plan to place trees and plants a safe distance away. This distance depends on the type of plant. In general, keep a 10-foot radius clear of everything but grass and flowers. Shrubs and other plants with shallow roots can be planted beyond this.

How fast do tree roots grow in sewer pipes?

Tree roots can grow into sewer pipes in a matter of weeks or take several years, depending on conditions. Symptoms include slow drains, strange odors, and sinkholes in your yard. Tree roots seek out moisture from even the smallest pipe cracks. Regular sewer line maintenance can prevent costly repairs.

Can I plant a tree close to property line?

You cannot legally plant a tree that close to your neighbor's yard without consent from your neighbor. If you want to plant a tree, it is best to keep it a minimum of 3 feet away from the line to avoid any issues down the line. Keep those tree roots to yourself!

Can you plant a tree near a drain field?

Tree and shrub roots can grow into the drainlines, clogging and breaking them. Avoid water-loving plants and trees. Make sure the tank lid is secure. Here are some tips to keep your drainfield out of harm's way.

What is the safest tree to plant near a house?

Trees That Won't Damage Foundations
  1. Hinoki Cypress (Chamaecyparis) This dwarf, needled evergreen is originally from Japan and is safe to plant near a foundation. ...
  2. Cryptomeria japonica 'Black Dragon' ...
  3. Juniper. ...
  4. Dogwood (Cornus) ...
  5. 5. Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) ...
  6. English Holly (Ilex aquifolium)

What tree has the worst roots?

Silver maple tree

They might be prized for their vibrant colour in autumn, but their root systems are one of the most invasive of all. As the roots enlarge, silver maple trees have been known to crack driveways, pavements, foundations and pipes. It's best to avoid planting this tree altogether.

What evergreen trees won't damage pipes?

Cupressus, Sorbus, and Prunus are good choices for trees based on the limited damage they are known to cause to concrete and plumbing. The evergreen of the Cupressus looks nice all year round. Evergreens can also provide more privacy and wind protection than deciduous trees because they retain foliage all year round.

How far to plant trees from sewer?

Keep all trees and shrubs at least 10 feet away from your sewer lateral. This goes for even the smallest, slowest growing species. Trees with spreading roots and species that require large amounts of water should be planted at least 20 feet from any underground pipe or utility line.

How deep will tree roots go?

They are predominantly located in the top 6 to 24 inches of the soil and occasionally can grow deeper 3 to 7 feet if soil conditions allow. Root functions include water and mineral conduction, food and water storage, and anchorage.

What shrubs won't damage pipes?

Trees and bushes that are safe to grow near drains
  • Azaleas.
  • Bay Tree.
  • Bronze Cottonwood Coastal Golden Wattle.
  • Feijoa.
  • Japanese Maple.
  • Olive Tree.
  • Tulipwood.
  • Native Gardenia.

Which tree gives oxygen 24 hours?

The peepal tree is a tree that gives oxygen for 24 hours. It is also known as the bo or bodhi tree and belongs to the same genus as neem trees. The peepal grows up to 15 m tall and has grey bark on its branches. It's native to India, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka but is now found throughout Southeast Asia.

What tree absorbs CO2 the fastest?

Evergreen species such as Pinus ponderosa and Spanish Pinus occidentalis are among the most effective CO2 storehouses due to their fast growth and large size. Among deciduous species, on the other hand, oaks stand out for their high absorption capacity, thanks to their large canopies and dense wood.

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