What plants are best near a septic system?

Author: Doug Prohaska  |  Last update: Thursday, July 10, 2025

Safe Plants to Grow Over Septic Tanks and Drain Fields. Plants over a septic field can help to prevent erosion and suck up excess moisture from the drain field. 1 The best types of plants are grasses, groundcovers, and some shallow-rooted shrubs and trees.

How to landscape around a septic system?

According to the University of Maryland Extension, when it comes to a septic system, ``it is best to only have grass planted above and around the system. Shallow rooted plants, small shrubs, and flowers usually can be safely planted near and above the system.''

How close can you plant next to a septic tank?

Consider shallow-rooted trees and shrubbery (such as cherry trees, dogwood trees, holly shrubs, azalea shrubs and boxwood shrubs) for areas around the septic system, but keep them at least 10-15 feet away from your tank.

How close to a septic field can I plant trees?

This is fine, so long as they are at least 50 feet away from your septic system and drain field. Trees that can be safely planted closer to the drain field include ornamental trees like dogwood, cherry and crabapple, hemlock of the red, scarlet and white oak varieties, and small pines such as Mugo pines.

What are the best plants to hide a septic tank?

Soft, non-woody plants help contain the moisture around the septic field, while the tender plants allow easy access to components of your septic system. Your best bet is to go with herbaceous plants. These are shallow-rooted, flowering annuals and perennials such as: Tall fescue.

Septic Safe Landscaping and Plants

What can you plant over a septic system?

Do: Plant grass or keep existing native vegetation. These are the best covers for your drainfield. Direct all surface drainage away from the septic system.

What shrubs have shallow roots?

Boxwood (Buxus)

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

Can you plant lavender on a septic field?

Choose plants with shallow roots, such as ornamental grasses, groundcovers, annuals, or perennials like azaleas, hydrangeas, lavender, or hollyhocks.

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.

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 you plant wildflowers over a septic field?

Many studies have shown that the roots of these wildflowers do not interfere with septic systems pipes. In fact, wildflowers and native grasses actually absorb the nutrients discharged into septic beds better than turf! This is ecological landscaping at its best!

Can you eat vegetables grown over a septic field?

In addition to the potential contamination from pathogens, crops grown above your drainfield may also be exposed to household chemicals that are still present in effluent before it filters through the drainfield. Many of these are not safe for your septic system, let alone safe for human consumption.

How far away from septic to plant garden?

ANSWER: Our experts and most pumpers agree that no deep rooting planting should be within 20 feet of your septic system or leach field – it's best to keep all these plants 20-50 feet away, 20 feet being the absolute closest to your system.

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.

Can you put mulch over a septic field?

Next to planting deep-rooted plants, mulch is the least septic-friendly landscaping practice. As a general rule, you should avoid mulching directly over the drainfield.

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 is the best dwarf tree to plant next to a house?

1. Hinoki Cypress (Chamaecyparis) This dwarf, needled evergreen is originally from Japan and is safe to plant near a foundation. It also won't outgrow its space the way that arborvitae or larger evergreens tend to do.

What is a tree that never stops growing?

Known as the world's most massive tree, giant sequoias never stop growing and can reach heights of 300 feet and weigh over 600 tons. They are also among the oldest living organisms on earth and can live to be 3,000 years old.

What plants are good around septic tanks?

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

How deep are septic field lines buried?

Typically, the drainfield consists of three to five trenches that are 18 to 24 inches deep, up to 100 ft long, with a perforated pipe in 12 to 18 inches deep gravel covered by 12 inches of soil.

What essential oils are safe for septic tanks?

Essential oils are considered safe for septic systems when used in small amounts. Diluted essential oils, like wild orange oil, pine oil, citrus oil, tea tree oil, or lavender oil, used for occasional cleaning or diffusing, are unlikely to harm your septic system.

What is the most hardy shrub?

12 Hardy Shrubs You Need in Your Garden
  • Hydrangea macrophylla Everlasting Amethyst.
  • Hydrangea serrata Tuff Stuff.
  • Hydrangea paniculata Fire Light.
  • Philadelphus Snowbelle – Mock Orange.
  • Rosa Canadian Shield.
  • Cornus Arctic Fire – Red Twig Dogwood.
  • Syringa Sensation – Lilac.
  • Spirea japonica Goldmound.

What can grow in 2 inches of soil?

IN THIS GUIDE
  • 1) Azaleas.
  • 2) Chives.
  • 3) Heuchera.
  • 4) Aurinia saxatilis.
  • 5) Achillea millefolium.
  • 6) Rhododendron.
  • 7) Strawberries.
  • 8) Butternut Squash.

What is the best ground cover with shallow roots?

Creeping Stonecrops (Sedum spp.)

The plants have shallow roots, so they can be grown on very thin soil. Full sun brings out the brightest foliage colors, which can be aqua, teal blue, yellow, lime green, burnt orange, red or maroon (as well as green). Sedums are evergreen, so they also provide winter interest.

Previous article
What smell will keep raccoons away?
Next article
What to do when water backs up in toilet?