Planting around a septic system
by
Becky Fox
+4
We are just trying to landscape around our new house. We have in rural area and have a septic system in our back yard. We plan to put decorative small fence panels around the meter and tank area. What kind of plants would you suggest to plant that would not interfere with the system. Or should I just do pots and decorative pieces?
7 answers
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Small shrubs and plantings with small root systems will be fine. Nothing that grows tall and spreads out wide. Do not spend money on expensive plantings also. As they age they often become quite nice, but end up having to be torn out at their peak which is about when you may need to be doing some digging to maintain the system.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Nov 06, 2014
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I would just do pots and maybe even some sort of vignette with plants and wooden bench seating area. We had a farm many years ago and the septic lid was right smack in the middle of the yard so I used it for pots of many heights and sizes to create a display. You really do not want to plant next to it as woodbridge states because sometimes septic tanks need maintenance or if something happens. Plus just make sure you know the ins and outs of having a septic system too! Do not use bleach, anti bacterial soaps, or dump any chemicals down. Good luck
The Garden Frog with C Renee
on Nov 06, 2014
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Potted plants. Maybe flag stone, grass . Wud not plant anything. You do not want any roots and if you ever have to dig up the septic it's an issue
Vic310860
on Nov 07, 2014
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I have the same problem.They ripped out my olive shrubs,now have a yucky shed exposed.I am not planting anything because the roots will be a constant problem in the future.was planning to buy whiskey barrels and plant large plants to cover the shed.I went into Lowes last week,they have 2 sizes of PVC screens for 20.00 each.I think I will need at least 3 sections.Do not think I can do anything better than that.They have stakes on each side for stability.By the time I buy the planters,potting soil,plants,and keep the plants alive,it's worth it to me to go with the screens.Once I get them up I will send you a picture.If it still look bare I can always put a potted plant on each end.Hope that works for you!
Funnygirl
on Nov 08, 2014
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Have had a septic system for 35 years. It works perfectly. It does not show at all. Consider putting about 6 inches of dirt over it. I grow sod over it.
Myrna Engle
on Nov 09, 2014
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Agree with Myrna - I wouldn't recommend deep rooting trees of course
Sandra
on Nov 10, 2014
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Definitely not trees or even shrubs of any kind as the roots can cause interference which could be disastrous. Instead of planting in the ground anywhere on your field or near your tank opening, stick with pots and moveable architecture. This way, when it comes time for the septic truck to come clean out your tank, you can then move these things out of the way so access is easy for cleaning, and your items won't get damaged. Is this your first experience with having a septic system?
Colleen
on Nov 16, 2014
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