When it comes to septic systems, landscaping can be a bit tricky. While it’s essential to keep your drain field and tank area clear of aggressively growing trees and plants because of their potentially damaging roots, it’s still possible to have attractive landscaping in those areas.

Perennials and Grasses

As long as you’re not planting trees or large shrubs over your septic tank, you have a lot of options as to what you can grow. Plants can prevent erosion and will suck up some of the excess moisture in the drain field, making it a great way to add some greenery to the yard while preserving your septic system. Some safe plants to experiment with are:

• Kentucky Blue Grass
• Creeping Charlie
• Jewelweed Plants
• Montauk Daisies
• Coneflowers
• Daylilies
• Bearded Iris
• Creeping Phlox

Keep in mind that the ground soil in your drain field is much damper than the rest of your yard, so choose plants that thrive in these kinds of conditions.

Be Mindful of Wildlife

It’s not safe to grow fruit plants or berry bushes around a septic tank because the fruits could be full of harmful bacteria when ingested. This goes for humans as well as animals. So don’t plant anything near your septic system that animals would be tempted to eat. For an extra layer of protection, consider planting flowers or plants that repel wildlife like marigolds, bleeding hearts or foxgloves.

Fake Rock Gardens

It’s not recommended to place heavy rocks or boulders over or near a septic system, however, large artificial stones are sometimes used to deter people from parking or walking over a septic tank. Fake rocks are much lighter and easier to move around than the real thing, so the possibilities are endless. You can find these decorative rocks at most home improvement stores, or you can even make them yourself!

For all your septic system needs and to get on a regular pumping schedule, call Affordable Pumping Services today!