Hello, springtime! We’re so excited to finally be enjoying the warm weather. If you’re a gardener, now is the time to start getting your plants in place. But did you know that gardening can potentially affect your septic system? Let’s look at how gardening can affect your septic system and some tips to help you have a successful gardening season!
How does landscaping affect your septic?
While it may not seem obvious, digging around your septic system can be dangerous. If you aren’t 100% aware of the placement of equipment and pipes, then you run the risk of breaking a line. This can be costly to repair and a headache to deal with. Another issue with gardening and landscaping around your septic system is the risk of root intrusion. Large roots can grow into the pipes below, causing damage and clogs. This is pretty common, so we suggest doing what you can to avoid this risk. The final major thing to consider is avoiding your drain field. Your drain field is the final step in the septic system; this large open field often seems like a great place to landscape. However, we recommend you avoid planting anything but grass in this area.
Some landscaping tips to consider this spring
- Redirect any water runoff from a garden or plants away from your septic system. Your septic system is meant to handle the water waste from your home and any additional runoff may overwhelm the system.
- Don’t plant anything with large roots or high water intake because it likely won’t thrive near a septic system where water levels should be lower. As we mentioned before, plants with long roots may cause damage if they grow into pipes below.
- Try planting grasses or ground covers around the septic system. This will help secure the dirt (keep it from moving with lots of rain). Ground ivy, periwinkle, mosses, and ferns are great options.
- Try consulting with a professional before you proceed with heavy landscape adjustments. Asking your septic expert to consult on where specific pipes and equipment are could help you avoid a costly problem. It’s also great to consult a professional landscaper whose knowledgeable on plants and what will work best for your home.
We hope that this has been useful as you work to landscape and garden your home this spring. We fully support making your home feel beautiful, and we hope that these tips can help you do so with caution in mind. Should you have any questions or need any septic help, our team is here for you! JT Septic is committed to you and your septic system. Call: (918) 406-5620 today!
