As homeowners, we get that you want stunning landscaping. However, as septic contractors, we urge you to pause and consider if your home uses a septic system.
Today, we want to discuss key considerations for landscaping around your septic system. By “system,” we mean both the septic tank and the disposal field, which can be called the leach bed, trenches, chamber field, drainfield, or seepage pit. Regardless of the design, keep a few essential tips in mind when planning your yard’s landscaping.
Pre-planning and having the right landscaping on and around the septic tank and disposal field will help eliminate costly labor charges to expose the tank lids every single time you have to pump the tank. (Which should be done every 2-3 years, depending on usage of the system). We always suggest installing risers on the tank prior to landscaping which makes access super simple and won’t disturb your beautiful design.
However, if you choose not to put risers on the tank lids, we want to make sure you know what to do with your landscaping around the septic system and what not to do for landscaping around the septic system.
Landscaping Do's & Don'ts
Around A Septic System
Do’s
- Plant grass or keep existing native rock
- Direct all surface drainage away from the septic system
- Install risers on your tank to prevent landscaping disturbances and easy tank access.
- Make sure you know where both your tank and disposal field are located before any landscaping begins.
Don’ts
- Plant a vegetable garden on or near the system.
- Run sprinkler lines over your septic tank if your tank lids are buried.
- Driver or park cars, trucks, or equipment in or around your septic tank or disposal field, including the sewer lines.
- Plant trees or shrubs around the septic tank or drainfield. Roots will travel great distances in the desert and invade your system.
Not Sure Where Your System Is?
If you are unclear where your septic system is located, give Priority Pumping a call! We can easily access County records, if they exist for your home, and send you a detailed map from the installation process – for FREE! If the records don’t exist, we do offer septic system locating services where we locate and map the entire system for you so you know the red zone for pavers, concrete, out-buildings, sidewalks, pools, etc!
