If you live in a rural part of the country, chances are you have a home septic system instead of relying on the municipal sewer service. That can be a very good thing, since it means you do not have to pay sewer fees or handle the cost of hooking into the municipal system. But having a septic system in your back yard can also mean looking at an unattractive drainage field instead of an attractively landscaped area.
So is there anything you can do to relieve this problem? Can you really landscape your home septic system to make it more attractive, or are you better off leaving it as it is?
Know Your Septic System
Before you attempt to do any landscaping of your home septic system, you first need to make sure you know exactly where every component is located. Take the time to find the drain field, and make sure you know where the tank itself is located.
Once you know where all the components of your home septic system are located, you can plan a landscape that makes sense. You cannot choose just any plants for your septic system, but there are some things you can do to beautify this traditionally unattractive backyard space.
Landscaping Ideas for Your Septic System
The area around your septic system is not the place to plant those big trees, so be cognizant of where you plant those large landscape elements. Trees with extensive root systems will grow into your drain field, clogging the system and necessitating some very expensive repairs.
When it comes to landscaping your septic system, it is best to stick to shallow rooted plants. You can check with your local nursery for recommendations, but be sure to do your own homework as well.
Container Gardening
The septic system is also a great place to do some container gardening. While container gardens are typically associated with patios and decks, there is no reason you cannot include them in and around your septic system.
Since the plants and flowers are completely encased in their containers, you will not have to worry about an extensive root system getting out of control. Instead, you can simply sit back, relax and enjoy the fruits of your green thumb.
Keeping your septic system clean and well maintained is important no matter where you live, and that means making sure the drain fields are clear and free of tree roots and other obstructions. Even so, if you choose your plants carefully and use your own common sense, you can landscape your septic tank and enjoy a bit of beauty in your backyard.
