Your septic drain field is quite healthy for plant life.
The underground drain field pipes provide extra moisture and nutrients for plant life above the ground.
But before you grow any plant over or near your drain field, you have worry about these underground pipes.
You don’t want plant roots disrupting your drain field pipes as they grow.
All the parts of your septic system should be functioning optimally or else the result may be a costly mess.
Once tree roots grow into your drain field pipes, they will prevent the proper flow of effluents from your septic tank, which can lead to unsightly and expensive backups in your home through your toilets and other drains.
Embrace Smart Gardening around Your Septic System
While plant roots are your septic system’s worst nightmare, you don’t have to be so paranoid about the potential damage that they can cause to the extent that you avoid planting anything over or near your drain field.
On the contrary, having vegetation cover over your drain field is recommended.
Plant foliage anchor your drain field soil in place and absorb excess water from storms, protecting the soil from washing away.
So, the most reasonable thing to do is to understand the best practices for landscaping your drain field.
Growing the right plants in this section of your septic system is not only permissible but advisable.
Speaking of the right plant, is pine tree one of them? Is it okay to plant pine trees near septic drain field?
Pine Root System
A pine tree has two types of root system: a deep tap root and shallow roots.
The tap root depth range from 3-75 inches depending on the size of the pine, species, climate of the area it grows, and the spacing with other trees.
Generally, the depth of a pine tree tap root can be as much as twice the height of tree.
So, a dwarf pine’s tap root can sink 4-10 feet below the ground while that of a matured pine can go up to 50-100 feet.
The shallow root system, on the other hand, extend to about 12 inches or less below the ground. They often follow cracks and water spots to enable the tree quench its thirst.
Now based on this information, should you plant pine trees over or near your septic drain field?
The short answer is No. The tree roots will definitely penetrate your drain field perforations and gum up the piping.
Generally, a finished drain field contains about 12 inches of gravel below the drain pipes plus another 2 inches on top of the pipes.
This is then followed by 18-30 inches backfilling to bring it even with the surrounding ground.
This means that your drain pipes sit abut 3-4 feet below the ground.
In areas with underground obstacles or high ground water table, the drain pipes may have to be shallower. In such cases, the pipes may be as close to the ground as 6 inches.
As you can see, it is easier for both the pine tree’s root systems to reach and interfere with your underground drain field pipes, especially as they continue to grow.
Safe Pine Tree Planting Distance
The best way to protect your drain field pipes from damage is to keep deep tree roots separated from your drain field.
When planting pine tree around your drain field, consider how tall the pine species be at full maturity and add about 20 feet to that height.
This is the safest distance you should keep your pine trees away from the drain field.
If your pine species can reach 50-100 feet at full maturity, consider planting them 70-120 feet away from your drain field.
Apart from pine trees, other trees that you should avoid planting over or near your drain field due to their potential to invade your drain pipes include:
- Ash
- Willows
- Maples
- Aspen trees
- Poplars
- Birch trees
- Beech trees
- Sweetgum
- Elm trees
You may also want to check:
Is It Okay To Plant Lavender Over Septic Drain Field?
