DO put grass seed or wildflowers above your leach field, but not any deep-rooted varieties. Be careful when tilling the area, because the field can be as near as 6 inches from the surface.

This is also the reason you want to maintain greenery above the leach field. It helps to prevent erosion. You’ll want to maintain the distance between the leach field and the surface.

You may also plant shallow rooted trees/shrubs such as Azeleas or Boxwood shrubs near the septic field.

DO NOT plant anything near a leach field that requires regular watering. The goal is to not have a saturated leach field. Adding extra water to the area on a regular basis can be a big problem.

DO NOT plant anything that grows 30 feet or higher within 30 feet of your septic. The roots can cause thousands of dollars in damages. Root barriers are an option for homeowners who don’t want to remove existing trees near a septic area, but removal is the safest long-term strategy. Willows, Pussy Willow Shrubs, Aspen, Birch, Beech, Elm, Ash, Tulip and American Sweetgum trees should be nowhere near your septic system.

DO NOT plant edible foods within 10 feet of the leach field. Chemicals and medications that get poured down your sink (even thought they shouldn’t) can contaminate the food.

DO NOT park a car or ANY heavy machinery on top of the septic drain field. Avoid anything that could do damage to underground pipe system.

DO NOT place playground equipment over the leach field. While it’s perfectly safe for children to play over the leach field, heavy equipment can be harmful the system, and even lighter equipment that is difficult to move can become a pain if you ever need to repair your leach field.

DO Call Tricounty Septic if your leach field is soggy or smelly or has developed an exceptionally green, lush grass over top. This is a sign of septic failure. (908)689-9088