5 Septic-Safe Plants

Maintaining a healthy and efficient septic system is essential to property ownership. Schedule routine inspections with a professional septic company to keep your unit running seamlessly and avoid unwanted costs. Many homeowners focus on proper drainage, secured lids, and frequent septic tank pumping, but must remember landscaping also affects system function. Septic Connection recommends growing friendly plants and maintaining your landscape with love. While your plants of choice may pose a manageable problem, you risk severe damage and costly repairs. Here is a list of plants that are aesthetically pleasing and safe for your septic system.

Grass

A well-manicured lawn over the drain field is a good idea, as it helps hold soil in place, which increases system efficiency. Grass can manage excess moisture, mitigating water damage and subsequent structural deterioration. The shallow roots protect the septic system from damage since they will never grow deep or strong enough to disrupt the pipes, tank, or surface below. A reputable septic company can help assess the plants in your backyard and determine the best course of action.

Flowers

Flowers are usually safe to plant over septic systems. They have shallow roots which can’t disrupt underground operations and minimize the risk of flooding in the drain field and soil erosion. Great examples of flowers to grow in your backyard include lavender, pansies, and tulips. You can also consult a certified arborist or septic tank company to ensure you plant septic-friendly flowers.

Herbaceous Plants

Herbaceous plants are vascular and lack a persistent woody stem that causes damage to a waste management system. These plants come in colorful varieties, enhancing curb appeal and the overall aesthetics of your home. Recommended herbaceous plants include Oriental poppies, Hardy mums, and peonies. While herbaceous plants have little impact on your system, regular septic system pumping is critical to ensure everything runs as expected.

Perennials

Like most flowers, perennials have shallow roots that don’t disrupt pipes. Perennials thrive near the drain field, especially if your septic system is in a sunny spot. If this is the case in your yard, some popular options include Delphinium, Montauk daisies, and Coneflower. For a more shrub-like look, try Drop Sedum, and for attracting butterflies, grow yellow, red, purple, and pink blossoms. Perennials are septic-friendly additions to your landscape, allowing optimal function and easy access during maintenance services like septic tank pumping.

Shallow-Rooted Trees/Shrubs

Although trees are not recommended near septic systems, if you have to, grow shallow-rooted trees. There are wide varieties under this category, including Cherry. Dogwood and Japanese maple trees. Industry experts urge property owners to grow trees 20 to 50 feet away from the septic system, especially if they have water-searching tendencies. To minimize damage and prevent unwanted costs, ensure you proceed cautiously when landscaping with shrubs and trees.

Your septic system should continue you creating the ideal lawn. Contact us at Septic Connection and learn more about septic-friendly plants from our representatives. Schedule a consultation today and enjoy top-notch services like septic tank pumping, repairs, and maintenance at competitive rates.