How to Plant Over Septic Leach Fields

Overview

Septic leach fields, also called drain fields, are a system of pipes connected to you septic tank and extend into your yard where fluids disperse underground into the soil. Covered with approximately six inches of soil, these pipes are usually not too deep beneath the soil's surface. Planting over a leach field can be beneficial to the area, but you will need to pay close attention to what is planted so it does not do damage to the pipes. Damaged pipes in your leach field will eventually cause your system not to operate properly and they will require replacing.

Step 1

Wear gloves when working in the leach field soil, as they will protect you from bacteria remaining in the soil from the septic system. Use them to plant, weed or do any type of gardening activity that requires you disrupting the soil in the area.

Step 2

Plant shallow rooted non-aggressive plants into the leach field where their roots will not extend much more than six inches into the soil. Covering the area with vegetative material will reduce soil erosion and moisture in the soil and actually help the leach field operate more efficiently.

Step 3

Consider planting annual or perennial flowers that are native to your region and will not require constant watering. Choose flowering plants that do not have large and expanding root systems. Plants such as vincas, petunias, blue daze, impatiens and geraniums will all work well in the area.

Step 4

Select a turf grass to plant if you do not desire a flower garden. Covering the area with grass will be an easy solution to bare soil and will require minimal maintenance.

Step 5

Dig down only six inches, when planting in the area, so you do not damage any underground pipes. Use only hand tools when digging and do not use a rotor-tiller, as it will dig too deep.

Step 6

Cover the leach field with no more than two inches of top soil, if required. Covering the area with too much soil will make moisture in the soil unable to evaporate efficiently.

Step 7

Plant trees away from the leach field at a distance of the size of their roots at maturity. Place trees at the end of the leach field where moisture from the pipes is at a minimum. Consider trees such as dogwood or holly, which have fibrous roots and will not cause damage to the pipes.

Step 8

Install a root barrier for existing trees near the leach field. Dig down approximately three feet, just outside the leach field and place a piece of plastic into the hole. Cover the hole with soil, packing it down firmly. This will act as a barrier to the tree's roots and keep them from growing into the system of pipes.