Planting Trees on your Septic Tank and Drain Field

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Planting Trees on your Septic Tank and Drain Field:

We all know that’s it’s a proven fact that planting trees on or around a septic tank is not a good idea. Grass and natural vegetation should be the first option. On the other hand, you always have the person that will insist on planting trees over and around a septic system.

Well we have a few suggestions for the stubborn person that insist on doing things the hard way. We have listed a few options below relating to the types of trees and shrubs you should choose from depending on your geographic location. As noted before, trees and shrubs are risky at best and their roots will most likely make their way out to your system, clogging and destroying your septic tank or drain field. Tree will usually gravitate towards the water and in this case the water is in your system. The roots will eventually find their way into the line and will then requiring a professional to cut the roots out of the system at a cost of $300.00 and up!


Trees that are not recommended for areas around septic tanks:

• Birch Trees

• Weeping Willow Trees

• Poplar Trees

• Elm Trees

• Beech Trees

• Red Maple

• Silver Maple

• Willow Trees

• Oak Trees


Trees that would have less of a root base and would be a better choice near drain fields:

• Cherry Trees

• Dogwood Trees

• Japanese Spruce Trees

• Sword Fern Trees

• Pine Trees Sourwood Trees

• Carpet Bugle Trees

• Crab Apple Trees

• Hemlock Trees


It would be a good idea to keep in mind the pros and cons of planting trees on a drain field. As a rule of thumb, be safe and keep all trees 60 feet plus away from your septic system and drain field.

By: Bradley Skierkowski