Landscaping your yard can be an exciting and personal experience because you can design the landscape to reflect your personality. If you have a septic system, however, Express Septic Services recommends that you take the septic system into account. Certain things included in exterior landscaping can damage your septic system. Let’s talk more about this below.
New Foliage Care
We don’t want you to think that you can’t plant anything over your septic system. You can. The thing to keep in mind is that if you overwater new foliage such as sod or plants above the septic system, you will overload the drain field and compact the soil above the septic system. This can affect how well it works.
Root Vegetables
Experts agree that you should not plant root vegetables above or around your septic system. The septic system treats human waste, and human waste is filled with bacteria. Unfortunately, as the root vegetables grow into the ground, they can absorb this bacterium and give you food poisoning. Make sure to plant all of your root vegetables away from your septic system to avoid this problem.
Landscape Tarp/Gravel
Installing landscape tarp and gravel above your septic system will prevent the drain field from draining properly. It will also way down and compact the soil, which can crack the septic tank over time. You should also avoid landscaping enhancements such as ponds or fountains over the septic system. Avoid putting anything heavy on top of the system to prevent damaging it.
Traffic Paths
This includes installing walkways or traffic paths over the septic system. The more you walk over the system the more compacted the soil will be. It’s important that the soil above your septic system stay loose so that the system can operate the way it should. Constant foot traffic over the system can damage it, as can fencing or gates. The latter can also make it difficult to pump the septic tank.
Trees and Shrubs
Certain foliage has a deep root system that can damage the septic tank and drain field. This includes trees and shrubbery. You can plant the shrubbery around the septic system, but it’s not a good idea to plant shrubbery over it. Make certain to plant trees at least 20 feet away from the septic system to avoid root encroachment.
Express Septic Services in Greenville, SC, would be happy to inspect your septic system to make certain your landscaping isn’t damaging it. Call us today to set up an appointment.
