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small tree near septic tank

17 years ago

I am putting in a patio near the house right next to the septic tank. My LA plans to put a flower bed over the tank, and has suggested a small tree beside the tank. The tank stays quite a bit warmer than the rest of the ground - snow melts on top of it very fast compared to the rest of the yard.

Will the warmer ground be a problem with tree roots?

Are tree roots a problem near the tank?

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Comments (2)

Dibbit
17 years ago
A tree is probably not such a good idea - not SO much because of roots damaging the tank/system, although with an already-in-poor-shape system, it might become a problem - as because if there ever IS a problem, and the tank needs to be dug up, the tree roots will make life harder than it would otherwise be, and the tree will probably die because of the extent of the root disturbance. A shrub might do, as they don't usually have such extensive roots as trees, even small trees. Most shrubs can be dug and moved if need be, a LOT easier than moving a tree, whatever its size!

The warmth may not be a problem, unless it encourages whatever you plant to both go dormant late and break dormancy early. The roots will probably be quite happy and do well, especially if well mulched, but whatever you plant may well get the top frozen either in the early winter or late spring and be killed to the ground. You might plant something like a Gold Mound spirea, red- or yellow-twig dogwood or callicarpa that you cut almost to the ground each spring, anyway.
juudyshouse2012
17 years ago
I have been living in my house for 3 years and have a septic system and drainfield. This is the first septic system for me and when we started landscaping I did lots of research on the matter. Unfortunately, you are limited in what you can plant near the tanks and on the drainfield. I would recommend against a small tree. We first planted a small Japanese Maple, but our septic service people said to move it. Now I have a drought tolerant native wildflower meadow planted on the drainfield that should be looking beautiful this summer. And, over the tanks, I have planted various perrenials (18" - 30"H), low growing ground covers, and the largest is a Cape Fuchsia (which I'm a little unsure of, but planted it anyway). I also planted a bunch of Evergreen Huckleberry shrubs that won't get larger than 2'-3' tall.

Whatever you do, you don't want to damage your septic tank due to landscaping choices. There are so many beautiful ways to fill in an area. And, if you really want a small tree, get a large pot and plant it in that. Then, there won't be any roots to worry about. :-)
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