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Photograph of a tree which can be placed over septic system componentsTree or Shrub Distances to Septic System FAQs

Questions and answers about the proper distances for planting trees or shrubs over or close to septic system components: the septic tank and soakaway bed.

FAQs about how close or how far to keep trees & shrubs from septic system components, particularly the septic drainfield or leach field and the septic tank.

This article series describes the types of trees, shrubs, or similar plants that should or should not be planted over or near septic fields or other septic system components.

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FAQs on Planting Guidelines for Trees or Shrubs near Septic Systems

Red maple being planted near septic system (C) InspectApedia.com readerQuestions & answers about planting distances for trees near the septic tank or near the septic drainfield, posted originally at TREES or SHRUBS OVER THE SEPTIC FIELD or TANK - be sure to review that article.

On 2018-08-14 by (mod) -

Frances

Now that you are connected to a public sewer and your septic system has been abandoned you can plant whatever you want.

On 2018-08-13 by frances

septic tank broken up and city sewer lines installed five years ago. What flowering bush can be planted in that area with shallow roots such as a snowball bush or azalea

On 2018-07-12 by (mod) -

We warn about maple trees that can have deep roots in the article above. For some of those deep rooting or traveling trees the distances can be more significant and are given in the article above. Here's a general rule of thumb.

keep trees at least twice the distance from the nearest septic or drain field component as the diameter of the mature tree canooy.

On 2018-07-12 by (mod) - planting a red maple near the septic fields? What distance?

We warn about maple trees that can have deep roots in the article above. For some of those deep rooting or traveling trees the distances can be more significant and are given in the article above. Here's a general rule of thumb.

keep trees at least twice the distance from the nearest septic or drain field component as the diameter of the mature tree canooy.

On 2018-07-12 by Crystal

We are planting a Red Maple in our yard [photo above].

We have a septic system. How far from the leach field septic lines would we need to plant it to be a pretty safe distance?

It is really small now but dont want to cause major issues down the line

On 2017-10-24 by Janet

My neighbor planted a lovee Myrtle near our shared sewer line. The water company won't make him cut it down until it causes a problem.

On 2017-09-22 by Natalie Reeve

Can I grow Lacebark over sewer and storm water drain?

On 2017-08-15 by (mod) - safety of a municipal vegetable garden near a public sewer

Eileen,

I'm not sure about the safety or danger of the garden you describe.

A city sewer line ought to be a water-tight buried pipe, and thus not leaking sewage contaminantes into nearby soils or gardens,

Watch out: however because who knows what contaminants fall into the garden from the street itself: diesel oil, road salt, road dirt and debris, splash-up from street drainage.

Not to mention peoples dogs and cats using the area as a toilet. Some of these risks can be reduced by fencing, though for a narrow garden space the result may be untenable.

Does your city (what city is this?) permit residents to farm the grass strip you describe?

Let's both do some further research.

On 2017-08-15 by Eileen Dargon

Hi, we have neighbors planting a vegetable garden on the city owned green strip of grass between sidewalk and gutter It is directly in front of a sewer.

This is also a daycare center. Is this safe for eating? My husband says its very dangerous. I've recvd no response from the city. Thank you.

On 2017-05-22 by (mod) re: Hetz Wintergreen Arborvitae planting distance from septic & poinciana tree distance from septic

Hetz Wintergreen Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Hetz Wintergreen') roots are shallow - 18-24" in depth typically. Keep the tree as far away as the expected diameter of the tree's canoply when it's mature - that's about 5 feet.

Point Sienna tree roots - I think you mean Poinciana trees - are trees to keep at a considerable distance from septic system components, because they can send out very long roots spreading horizontally at 4-10 feet PER YEAR, as well as sending their roots to depths of 10 feet or more!

So in a year and a half a Poinciana can send its roots to a distance three times the above-ground width or diameter of its canopy.

I would keep such a tree 100 feet from the drainfield and septic tank.

On 2017-05-17 by Anonymous

How far from the septic tank can a Point Sienna tree be planted

On 2017-04-30 by Pam

How far away from my septic drainfield can I plant a Blue Spruce?

On 2017-04-28 by (mod) re: Neem tree distance from septic components

Pat,

From my reading I learned that Neem trees can produce a very deep tap root - that could in turn invade a cesspool, speeding its clogging. The tree would in fact be attracted to the cesspool nutrients. Cutting down the Neem tree won't remove the roots, and in fact the tree may re-grow from its stump.

You'd want a Neem tree to be a distance away from a cesspool or septic soakbed that is greater than the spread of its roots or an estimated root spread by the size of its canopy.

I'd figure 30 feet might be safe, 10 feet would be at the edge of or into trouble.

If after cutting the tree grows back from the stump, OR if you see roots invading the cesspool, you may have to dig out or remove the root-stump.

On 2017-04-28 by pat

I just emptird my full cesspool there is a 30ft neem tree right next to it... should I cut it down?

I have 30 foot neem tree next to cesspool... should I cut it down?

On 2017-04-21 by (mod) re: when to remove trees from septic area

I hate cutting down nice trees, but with trees over the drainfield of the size you say, their roots have probably already invaded it just as you guess.

Just cutting the trees down won't clear the intrusion of roots. Roots don't do good in a drainfield, they clog it.

I would remove the trees and scope the drainfield lines to see their actual condition -

BUT FIRST let's be darn sure we know just where the drainfield lines run and that they are really near those pines.

On 2017-04-19 by Stug

I have recently purchased a home that has multiple large trees around and two directly over the septic drain field. The two directly above the drain field are white pines.

There are other white pines in the area and a few other large trees that I do not know the species. All tress are about 70 ft tall.

My question is, should I cut down the pines planted over the drain field? If the drain field drawing is accurate, the piping for the field is about 36" below grade.

I am confident that the roots have infiltrated the drain field piping, but to what extent I do not know. The system drains fine and the soil above and around is relatively hard and low in moisture (per a septic professional). I have not performed any video or other internal inspections to assess the actual damage.

I can only assume the roots are doing some good in consuming water that would otherwise be released to the soil, but at the same time continuing to consume free-drainage area in the piping. If I cut the trees, the water uptake will cease and I'll simply be left with clogged drain pipes with no uptake.

If I do not cut them, I am concerned about the soil being too moist and the tree up-rooting in a storm and possibly damaging the house. Not to mention the continued infiltration of the roots into the piping.

Are you able to render a recommendation?

Thank you.

On 2017-04-13 by (mod) re: distance to keep a Witch Hazel tree from the septic

Diana,

From a review of horticultural information we learn that Witch Hazel (family Hamamelidaceae, of which there are multiple varieties and of which Hamamelis virginiana is particularly popular for yards) prefer well-drained soil, have a dense, coarse root system, and "... can take advantage of deep soils" as they use a branching taproot, but - from other sources - are basically a "surface rooting" plant. I think the root differences among Witch Hazels depends on the individual plant species within the family.

The predominant choice (Hamamelis virginiana ) uses a shallow, spreading root system, a fact that suggests that the concern is indeed horizontal distance between the plant and the edge of the drainfield.

Since horticulturists recommend dedicting 20 sq.ft. to the plant, your 25 ft. distance from your witch hazel to the nearest edge of the drainfield is probably ok, though I, being chicken-hearted, would have probably gone for 30 feet or more horizontal distance.

On 2017-04-13 by Diana

I planted a witch hazel about 25 feet from the septic tank. I can't find any information on the root system to see if this will cause a problem in the future. Does anyone know if this distance will be ok.

On 2017-04-12 by (mod) re: Redbud tree distance to septic

Patty,

Redbud trees send out roots at least as far as the diameter of the tree canopy - that's around 15 feet for a mature tree. I'd keep such trees 20-30 feet away from a septic drainfield.

The Redbud tree roots are in most texts as shallow but "opportunistic" - that means that a tap root that finds delicious sewage effluent will doubtless head that way.

On 2017-04-11 by Patty

How close to a septic line can a redbud be planted?

Question: tree distance to septic tank vs. drainfield

(Aug 26, 2014) Anonymous said:

can a plant trees close to the tanks in the ground. my lateral fields are 300 away from the tanks.

Reply:

Yes but ... if there is a leak at the tank or in tank piping the tank or pipes will be invaded by roots. So ... it depends.

Question: How far from a drain-field should I plant a Honey-Crisp apple tree?

(May 2, 2016) surelyready1 said:
How far from a drain-field should I plant a Honey-Crisp apple tree?

Reply: 1.5 x anticipated tree height or about 30 feet for a typical fruit tree, plus safe distance from any aerobic septic effluent sprays

Surely

Most tree root systems extend horizontally for a distance about the same as the tree canopy or crown. Some trees send roots out further.

Typically fruit tree roots extend horizontally at least as far as the canopy, but are in the top 12 to 18" of soil depth - making them not a great risk to buried septic drainfield piping.

A rule of thumb I've read for fruit tree root horizontal distance that's different from tree canopy diameter is to use the height of the tree. Assume that roots will extend horizontally for a distance equal to the height of the tree PLUS 1/2 of that height again for every ten years of the tree's age.

So a 20 foot tall apple tree that is 20 years old would have a root spread assumed to be 30 feet out radially from the trunk.

See

Question:Tree Distances from Septic Components for Hazelnut Trees: 50 ft.

Reader question: how far should I keep hazelnut trees from the septic leach field. - anonymous by private email 2017/03/12

Reply:

From our reading, 50 feet from the drainfield ought to avoid any worry of root damage to buried drain lines.

For any food crop, if your septic system uses above-ground spray systems to dispose of septic effluent, as do many aerobic septic systems, take care also that wind-blown septic effluent won't contaminate your hazelnut crop.

See

Tree Distances from Septic Components for Linden Trees: 100 ft.

Reader Question: 6/23/14 Cynthia said:

Are linden trees safe to plant near a septic system?

Reply:

Cynthia

I would keep a linden tree 100 feet from septic components. Linden trees grow to 89-90 feet in height, a size reflected as well in their very extensive root system, making the linden tree likely to invade septic systems if too close.

Tree distances to septic drainfield for Redbud Trees: 20-30 ft.

Question: How close to a septic line can a redbud be planted?

2017/04/11 Patty said:

How close to a septic line can a redbud be planted?

Reply:

Patty,

Redbud trees send out roots at least as far as the diameter of the tree canopy - that's around 15 feet for a mature tree. I'd keep such trees 20-30 feet away from a septic drainfield.

The Redbud tree roots are in most texts as shallow but "opportunistic" - that means that a tap root that finds delicious sewage effluent will doubtless head that way.

Tree distances to septic drainfield for Red Pine / Norway pines: 60 feet

Reader question: Have you any information on Norway PInes and Red Spruce as i have these planted in my yard and am concerned about there potential damaging effects on my septic system.. thanks. They are only 4 feet so far so I can transplant them if need be - Will Treeman (4/11)

Reply: 40-60 feet for a 20-40-year early tree-life range, longer for longer tree life expectancy

According to Pennsylvania State University "The red pine is a native North American tree species sometimes erroneously called the "Norway pine". ... Red pines grow very rapidly for their first 60 or 70 years of life.

They can live for up to 350 years and reach heights of 120 feet and diameters of up to three feet. " [1]

Using a 60-year planning time frame, and our rule of thumb for distances of normall-aggressive-root-system trees from septic drainfields, assuming a 60-foot tree height, I'd keep my red pines (or "Norway pines") sixty feet away from the drainfield. 100 feet would be safer as pines can have aggressive root systems.

Tree Distances from Septic Drainfield for Dwarf Alberta Spruce Trees: 30 feet

10/10/2014 Daryell said:

Dwarf Alberta Spruce Tree distance between leech field?

Reply: Daryell

The roots of a Dwarf Alberta Spruce tree are typically 10-15 feet in all directions from the trunk. 30 feet or more should be a safe distance from the drainfield or soakbed or leach field.

Tree distances from septic drainfield for Red Spruce: 100 ft.

According to the University of Maine's Maine Tree Club, "Red spruce can attain a height of 60-80 feet and a diameter of 1-2 feet. It will occasionally exceed these measurements." Synonyms for red spruce include Yellow Spruce, West Virginia Spruce, Eastern Spruce, He-Balsam" Picea rubens, [2]

So the same rule of thumb as for red pines applies: if you don't want the trees to ever threaten the septic drainfield for the next 30-60 years, promising the trees a long and happy life, keep them 100 feet from septic drainfields.

Note: guessing at the tree root area and health for red spruce is complicated by soil chemistry and nutrients and so guessing root area size based on canopy size is less reliable for this species. [3]

Tree Distances from Septic for Tamarind Trees: 100 ft.

6/22/14 Anonymous said:

How far from drain field should a Lysiloma latisiliquum or false tamarind be planted?

Reply:

We found several authors who described rather aggressive root growth and a need for periodic root pruning in ornamental use of the False Tamarind plant. I'd follow the more aggressive distances given in our tables above, keeping ab out 100 ft. to be safe.

Tamarind trees have both a deep tap root and very aggressive root structures that would be likely to invade and clog a septic drainfield.

Tree distances from septic drainfield for Witch Hazel: 25-30 ft.

Question: I planted a witch hazel about 25 feet from the septic tank.

2017/04/13 Diana said:

I planted a witch hazel about 25 feet from the septic tank. I can't find any information on the root system to see if this will cause a problem in the future. Does anyone know if this distance will be ok.

Reply:

Diana,

From a review of horticultural information we learn that Witch Hazel (family Hamamelidaceae, of which there are multiple varieties and of which Hamamelis virginiana is particularly popular for yards) prefer well-drained soil, have a dense, coarse root system, and "... can take advantage of deep soils" as they use a branching taproot, but - from other sources - are basically a "surface rooting" plant.

I think the root differences among Witch Hazels depends on the individual plant species within the family.

The predominant choice (Hamamelis virginiana ) uses a shallow, spreading root system, a fact that suggests that the concern is indeed horizontal distance between the plant and the edge of the drainfield.

Since horticulturists recommend dedicting 20 sq.ft. to the plant, your 25 ft. distance from your witch hazel to the nearest edge of the drainfield is probably ok, though I, being chicken-hearted, would have probably gone for 30 feet or more horizontal distance.

On 2015-05-20 by (mod) - red, white or scarlet oak near my septic

Cindy Oaks are listed above as having "less aggressive" root systems. It'd still be smart to keep a distance of 20-30 meters from the tree to the drainfield. A bare minimum distance for a very non-aggressive root-species tree would be 3 meters more than the maximum expected canopy diameter of the tree as the canopy diameter also often approximates the root diameter.

On 2015-05-20 by cindy

so if i plant a red, white or scarlet oak near my septic, how much distance should there be?

On 2015-05-18 by (mod) - autumn blaze maple trees near the septic

Erin

In the article above I read "Maple trees, particularly red and silver maples Acer rubrum and Acer saccharinium" in a list of warning about trees to keep well away from the fields - 100 feet would be smart.

On 2015-05-15 by erin

I just purchased 2 autumn blaze maple trees..how far from the leach field do they need to be planted? TY!

On 2015-05-10 by (mod) - septic risk from Sumac trees

Dmitry

Sumac trees can have a far-reaching but shallow root system and can grow to a 10+ meter height. It's the "far reaching" that would make me worry about planting these within 10-20 meters of a septic field or soakbed. The roots may be tempted by the nutrients to invade the septic field piping. In addition the trees spread through their root system so they will continue to march towards the soakbed.

On 2015-05-03 by Dmitry

Hey question here. What about sumac trees? My drain field is little overgrown with sumac. Should I tare the trees out?

majesty palms planted near drain field

On 2014-12-03 by Chantal

I will send you photos of the problem! I REALLY appreciate your comments and help. THANK YOU so very very VERY much!

On 2014-12-03 by (mod) - spruce tree roots vs. septic system damage

Chantal and Anon:

Trees close to your drainfield are indeed likely to produce roots that invade and destory the field. Spruce tree references we consulted assert that most of the root system is in the first two feet of soil around the trees.

If you excavate a four-foot deep trench and line it with corrugated metal roofing or siding panels - or equivalent, you will reduce the ability of roots to spread into your septic system. The roots will want to seek nutrients (like septic effluent) so make the vertical or horizontal joints between your panels sealed and tight as you cvan.

I would NOT try root killers, both because of its environmental impact and because if you kill your neighbor's trees you'll have another fight about that. Better to just encourage the trees to send roots in an easier direction away from your property.

Send me some photos (see our CONTACT US link) and I can comment further.

On 2014-12-02 by Anonymous

I recently purchased a home and the lot where the original house was built was divided into two. That put my septic system VERY close to my neighbours property line. The stake in the ground, which marks where the gravel bed ends, is 4 feet from the property line. For privacy, my neighbours planted spruce trees that will eventually grow to be 50-60 feet in many years to come. I am trying to prevent roots invading my septic system and leaching bed in years to come. This is my first time owning a home so this is all very new, but I want to avoid a costly clean up in the future.

So, i want to prevent the roots from clogging the field and also getting into the septic system which is made ofconcrete. I was thinking of digging a trench about 4 feet deep right in front of where the trees are planted and then inserting a root barrier. will this be deep enough and will the roots go down under the leach bed or come up and invade. What whould i do....I also read dig holes and fill with a plastic pipe and fill that with copper Sulfate, I was thinking to do this behind the barrier for any roots that do pass under. I was also thinking to flush copper sulfate down my toilets every month to prevent roots from invading. My only concern with Copper Sulfate is that I do not want to pollute the water table. I want to be kind to the environment, but i also need to prevent the costly clean up of a potential invasion of roots. Can anyone provide help.
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On 2014-12-02 by Chantal

I recently purchased a home and the lot where the original house was built was divided into to. That put my septic system VERY close to my neighbours property line. The state in the ground, which marks where the gravel bed ends, is 4 feet from the property line. For privacy, my neighbours planted spruce trees that will eventually grow to be 50-60 feet in many years to come. I am trying to prevent roots invading my septic system and leaching bed in years to come. This is my first time owning a home so this is all very new, but I want to avoid a costly clean up in the future.

So, i want to prevent the roots from clogging the field and also getting into the septic system which is made in concrete. I was thinking of digging a trench about 4 feet deep and then putting a root barrier in place. I also read dig holes and fill with a plastic pipe and fill that with copper Sulfate, I was thinking to do this behind the barrier for any roots that do pass under. I was also thinking to flush copper sulfate down my toilets every month to prevent roots from invading. My only concern with Copper Sulfate is that I do not want to pollute the water table. I want to be kind to the environment, but i also need to prevent the costly clean up of a potential invasion of roots. Can anyone provide help.

On 2014-10-10 by Anonymous- how far from a septic drain field for evergreen trees?

how far from a septic drain field for evergreen trees?

On 2014-10-09 by (mod) - Dwarf Alberta Spruce tree risk to septic systems

Daryell

The roots of a Dwarf Alberta Spruce tree are typically 10-15 feet in all directions from the trunk. 30 feet or more should be a safe distance from the drainfield or soakbed or leach field.

On 2014-10-09 by Daryell

Dwarf Alberta Spruce Tree distance between leech field?

On 2014-03-10 by (mod) - crape myrtle distance to septic field

Crape,

I hate to ever suggest cutting down a tree, but if you have a full sized tree or shrub within "feet" (you don't say how many but I infer just 1-15 ft) it is likely that its roots will invade the system. Cutting down the tree will slow but not stop that process since leaving the roots live underground will probably cause the tree to grow again from its stump;

At this point you might remove the tree but figure that when you replace the drainfield you may find that some of the drain trenches and piping close to the tree location will be root-clogged, and will be removed and replaced at that time. I'm doubtful that the cost of such action is justified before a failure occurs.

I do not recommend root killers or other chemical additives.

On 2014-03-10 by Crape myrtle

I have a crape myrtle within feet of Adrain field...it is not a dwarf, it is full size. Should I cut this down to ensure it does not damage the drain field?

On 2013-02-19 by Anonymous - king hawthorn tree vs. septic distance

Is a winter king hawthorn tree an acceptable tree to plant 20 ft from the leach lines?

On 2013-01-01 by Shelly - Sir Harry Lauder Walking Stick vs septic drainfield

I would like to plant a Sir Harry Lauder Walking Stick about ten feet away from my septic tank. Can I anticipate any problems?

On 2012-10-29 by Bernie B

My septic tank is a long distance from the septic field itself. Can roots of a swamp oak cause damage to a tank? (cinder block construction, I think). What would be a recommended distance to plant a swamp oak from the tank itself? Thank you.

On 2012-08-29 by crystal

I am planting weeping white pine in an area of the yard that houses the septic. I do not know how invasive the roots are, or how far from the main line i should plant.

On 2012-05-17 by (mod) -

Ornamentals such as your purple plum have less aggressive root systems (I think) - see the examples in the article above. Nevertheless, six feet is too close to any septic component and you're risking a root invasion; The risk is less if the septic tank and its piping never leak and are built using recent, impervious materials.

On 2012-05-16 by Kim Casey

I've planted six Purple Plum Trees (burgundy leaves). They are about 6 feet tall and 2 are about 6 feet from the tank. The others are about the same from the drainfield. Does anyone know about the Purple Plum tree root system? Am I in trouble? I think the tank is 1,000 gallons. Small house. Thanks!

On 2011-12-01 by Laurie - Mullberry bushes safe around a mound system?

Are Mullberry bushes safe around a mound system?

On 2011-11-15 by Linda Walker

We have been told we need to put in a mound septic system. Unfortunately the only place for
it after the designer looked at our yard is next to a beautiful oak tree that is very old
and very big.

The mound would go up to the tree and the soil will be raised 3 ft from the
ground level. Hate to lose this beautiful tree which gives great shade in the summer and
adds to the beauty of the yard.

Kinda know what the answer is but can someone confirm that
we should have the tree removed.

On 2011-09-05 by (mod) -

Dandtkato

Unfortunately the tree is close enough to the septic drainfield to clog piping. It's a shame to have to cut down a beautiful tree, but then, it's unfortunate to face costly septic repairs sooner than necessary.

If you want to do a little digging to see what's going on, excavate a section of drainfield that is closest to the tree or to one of its major roots. If you find no evidence that the roofs are invading the trench you might decide to wait on sacrificing the tree.

On 2011-09-05 by dandtkato@comcast.net

I planted a golden rain tree about 5-6 feet from my septic/drain field. Now the tree is at least 25-30 ft hight. The base of the trunk on the tree has several surface roots extending in all directions over the surface of the ground. Is this a danger to my drain field or septic? My husband says that he wants to cut it down and I love the tree, it reminds me of a hugh canopy in the summer, but in the winter it is just a set of ugly brances.

On 2011-04-30 by (mod) -

Thanks for the question about proper septic-distances for Norway pines (red pines) and red spruce. I've added this Q&A in the article above along with our reply and reference citations.

On 2011-04-30 by WILLTREEMAN

Have you any information on Norway PInes and Red Spruce as i have these planted in my yard and am concerned about there potential damaging effects on my septic system......... thanks.... they r only 4 feet so far so i can transplant them if need be


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