Planting Trees By Your Septic System Corcoran MN

by | Oct 21, 2014 | FAQs, Septic System Functions

Trees Near A Septic DrainfieldPlanting Trees Corcoran MN Septic Repair

There are many benefits to having trees on your property. However, if you are like many Corcoran, MN homeowners, you have a private septic system and must be cautious about placement of trees. A large tree can have a root system that thrives on the nutrient rich soil around a septic drainfield or leach field. These tree roots may interfere with the sewage system function and could potentially cause very costly damage.

Not all trees are created equal. Some tree varieties, such as Weeping Willows, Poplars and Maples are notorious for causing sewer damage and must be planted as much as 100 feet away from all septic system components. In general, most tree varieties should be approximately 30 feet from septic components.

Risks And Benefits Of Trees On Property

A Septic Professional like Brad Krotzer of Custom Septic Inc. (CSI) must look at a variety of different aspects when deciding on a new septic design and placement. It is possible that trees will need to be removed in order to install the best sewage treatment system for your home. When deciding if existing trees may pose a risk to your septic system, it is wise to weigh the Risks versus Benefits.

Healthy Trees Provide:

  • Better Air Quality
  • Higher Property Values
  • Beautiful Leaves
  • Lower Cooling Costs
  • Privacy
  • Attraction for Birds
  • Less Soil Erosion
  • Reduced Runoff from Storm Water

Risks Of Trees Near Septic System:

  •  Roots from a Fallen Tree may crack or displace buried sewer pipes.
  • Tree Roots can burrow into holes in effluent drainage pipes causing them to clog, crack or break.
  • Risk of Contaminated Fruit from trees growing near a leach field.

Trees Not Recommended For Placement Near Drainfield

Different tree varieties grow differently. Soil type and climate play a large role in the growth rate and final size of an individual tree. There are, however basic guidelines to which trees are more suitable for planting near a Septic Drainfield and varieties to avoid. A root barrier system can be effective for reducing root intrusion and septic pipe damage.

A very simple formula is to take the projected height of the full-grown tree and figure that the root system will extend about that same distance outward. For example; a 25 foot tree may have roots that extend 25 feet in any direction and should be planted at least 25 feet away from a septic drainfield. Of course this does not work for all tree varieties. You may want to consult an arborist for information on individual root growth patterns.

Avoid these Tree Varieties near Septic System Components:

  •  Willows
  • Elms
  • Poplars
  • Red Maples
  • Silver Maples
  • Birches
  • Walnuts
  • Cypress
  • Cottonwoods
  • Ash

Contact Brad Krotzer at Custom Septic Inc. (CSI) if you need a new Septic Design or require an Inspection of your Corcoran, MN septic system. Don’t let tree roots cause serious damage to your sewage treatment system.

Brad has more than 17 years of experience in the septic business. He can help you to maintain a healthy septic system.

Custom Septic Inc. (CSI) is Licensed, Bonded and Insured. Serving the Twin Cities Metro area and Northern Minnesota.

Contact Custom Septic, Inc. (CSI) for a Free Estimate at 763-218-4769

Custom Septic Inc. (CSI) serves the Twin Cities and Northern Minnesota.