Things to Know About Planting Trees Near Septic Systems

Planting a tree near your septic system can be beneficial, but if you’re not careful, it can also be hazardous to your tank’s functionality. Learn about the best types of trees to plant, the ideal distance for a tree from your septic system, and other helpful tips in this guide.

Why Should You Be Careful When Planting Trees Near Your Septic System?

Planting trees too close to your septic system can cause major damage and lead to costly repairs. Tree roots have the potential to grow into underground pipes, which can block them and cause serious backups.

Additionally, some tree species are more prone to damaging sewer lines due to their aggressive root systems. It’s important to do your research before planting a tree near your septic system to avoid costly repairs or replacements down the road.

The location of your septic system should be indicated in the original plans for your property, but if you are unsure about where it’s located, then it’s best to have a professional come out and investigate. You should also avoid planting trees with invasive root systems such as Maples, Poplars, or Willows near the reservoir area.

Trees with more moderate root systems like Birch, Plum, and Dogwood are wise choices. To make sure that these trees do not damage your pipes in the future, plant them at least 10 feet away from where the septic tank usually lies.

Taking these precautions can prevent costly repairs and make sure that your septic system is running effectively throughout its lifetime.

What Is the Best Tree to Plant Near a Septic System?

Before you make a tree-buying trip to the nursery, it’s important to research the best trees for your particular type of septic system. Consider smaller, slower-growing trees with shallow root systems, such as Japanese maple, crepe myrtle or sassafras.

These smaller trees typically have less aggressive roots and are less likely to cause damage than larger varieties like oaks or maples. Avoid planting any type of citrus tree near your septic tank; their roots have been known to be particularly damaging.

All trees have the potential to damage a septic system, but those with aggressive root systems can be especially destructive. The roots of oaks and maples can spread out up to 10 feet or more around the tree, making them particularly hazardous when planted near septic systems or underground utilities.

If these larger trees are determined to be necessary for your landscape, consult a landscape designer for advice on proper spacing so you can enjoy the beauty of your greenspace without compromising the integrity of your system.

How Far Away Should You Plant a Tree from a Septic System?

Generally speaking, the further away from your septic system a tree is planted, the better. As a rule of thumb, place trees at least 30 feet away from your tank and lines.

Avoid planting trees directly over or near the leach field drainage lines; tree roots that are too close can grow into and clog them, creating a nasty and expensive mess to clean up. Place shallow-rooted plants like perennials, grasses, or other groundcover in this location instead.

When possible, avoid planting large trees over your septic tank and leach field. Several sources caution that tree roots can easily damage the plastic or aluminum pipes used in residential wastewater systems.

Research shows that maple, birch, poplar, and willow trees are especially susceptible to clogging due to their aggressive root system.

In contrast, smaller flowering, and fruit trees such as cherry, peach and crabapple usually only have shallow root systems and won’t cause as much trouble if planted closer to the septic field.

Which Trees Are Not Recommended to Plant Near a Septic System?

The roots of certain tree species are especially aggressive and can cause major damage. Trees not recommended for planting near a septic tank include walnut, silver maple, cottonwood, poplar and willow trees, as well as any tree grown from seed such as pine or spruce.

Trees with deep-reaching roots should generally be avoided at all costs. These include box elder, redwood and sweet gum trees.

Trees should be planted at least 10 feet away from any part of a septic tank and drain field. Different tree species have varying levels of aggressiveness with their root systems. For instance, maple trees are known to send out many surface roots that can cause significant damage.

Even when planted at a significant distance from the system, such aggressive-rooting trees pose a threat and should be avoided in areas near septic tanks and leach fields.