How to landscape around septic systems

Some people think that owning a home is a hands free, self-maintenance kind of thing. It is not, Actually owning your own home is very different from renting. When you rent a home, you use everything and then let the owner deal with your mess, property issues, and foul ups as you use the property. In homeownership, you need to take great care of all of your property, whether it be the house or yard. One important thing you must consider about your property is landscaping around  your septic system. It is the wastewater treatment facility for your own property. It is responsible for separating the toxic filth from your living environment. When you start to look at your lawn and decide that you should do some landscaping, you don’t ask the landlady or landlord anymore—you ask yourself. You wonder what you should do to make sure that your landscaping around your septic system would not destroy it. So you may wonder how to landscape around septic systems.

There are quite a few important considerations on how to landscape around systems especially if you’re a full-fledged plant or landscape lover. Below are some of the important pointers that you should keep in mind if you want to landscape near your septic system:
1) Always take note that you should determine the ideal location for your septic system first, if you are one of the fortunate ones who get to make that decision. You should be careful in making that crucial decision because this will make or break the landscaping and wastewater treatment processes. If you bought a property that already has a septic system, you should visit the development office in your county to find the map of your property. Some septic tanks are easier to find because of the access port that stick above ground. However, be ready for other septics that have their ports buried in the ground. You may also chance upon a property that has its septic system underneath a driveway, garage, or sidewalk. This makes it almost impossible to maintain the tank.
Septic Tank area
2) If you’re thinking of landscaping around or above the septic tank, you should consider the following ideas:
*Mark the access port by placing a lawn ornament, a birdbath, or a potted plant above or near it.
*Plant small vegetation or grass over the tank so that they could be easily removed or damaged when the tank is serviced.
*Never plant trees close to your septic tank. These are living organisms. Someday, their invasive roots will grow into the tank. They will clog and damage the septic tank so that they could access the nutrient-rich wastewater. Planting trees far away from your septic will allow you to enjoy a smooth-running wastewater treatment system and a thriving garden.
Use your creativity in hiding or camouflaging your septic’s access port. You can use rows of small shrubs or a planter. Use these to block the view of the port. Surely, your personal taste will take over this task.
Drain field area
3) Never drive heavy vehicles over your drain field. Because the drain field is a larger area than the septic tank, many homeowners think that it’s okay to transform it into a garage, driveway or storage area. If you have to, use boards so that the car’s weight can be evenly distributed. Also makes sure that the soil is dry.

4) Do not let large animals roam or graze over your drain field. They will eat up the protective layer or vegetation over your drain field.

5) Do not remove the soil used to cover your drain field.

6) Do not plant any kind of garden over your drain field. The heavy watering will only saturate the drain field underneath it.

Landscaping around your septic system can be a challenge but it can also bring out the kind of homeowner you are. Always consult with your landscape architect for any additional instructions on how to landscape around septic systems.