Trees that are planted too close to your drain field can disrupt your drain field’s water flow. Roots look for water, and they can make their way through the porous pipes in your drain field, into cracks and joints within your pipes. When considering planting around your drain field, you should identify the types of bushes, shrubs and trees that will not disrupt your drain field’s water flow. If invasive roots are found to be a problem, the tree must be removed. Physical root barriers can be used t o protect your drain field and be installed by yourself or a professional. This only helps if roots have not yet infiltrated your septic system. Never rely on caustic chemicals that kill roots under the surface; they seep into your drain field and destroy your soil’s microorganisms which are necessary for your septic system to function properly. Tree root killers do not work and are meant for small roots. They will not help for a major root blockage. Only short-root grasses over your drain field should be planted. Plants with deep roots should be avoided. If your roots are removed by a professional using an auger, they will probably grow back; it is best to remove the tree. When you remove surrounding trees and bushes from your drain field, you must remove the stumps and roots as well. Trees and plants with deep roots should never be planted near your drain fields.
Besides roots, overwhelming your septic system with too much water, improper septic system maintenance, and parking your vehicles on your drain field can lead to septic system failure.
