Septic Drain Field Planting Experts advise that homeowners should think twice about what vegetation is planted over a septic drain field. A little research on the topic will go a long way to protecting your property investment and preserving the health of your septic system. Regardless of your reasons for landscaping your septic drain field, the best solution is to plant shallow-rooted herbaceous plants that are well adapted to normal rainfall amounts for the area. This means that it is acceptable to plant grasses - turf, native or ornamental - wildflowers or groundcover in the septic drain field area. These plants will help your septic drain field work more efficiently because they optimize oxygen exchange and they do not interfere with the soil transpiration or evaporation. Do not plant larger plants with longer root systems, such as tall grasses or pampas grass. Mixes of annuals and perennials, including wildflowers, bulbs and grasses, are suitable. Bulbs such as lily of the valley, crocus, daffodils and iris provide a show of color, and they can be easily complemented with astilbe, foxglove, ferns and hostas. Its important to remember that some plants require sun while others tolerate light shade, so selecting the proper plant based on the available sun and growing conditions should be factors in plant selection. Depending on the part of the country in which you live, climate will also determine which plants will thrive. In some cases, you may be able to achieve year-round ground cover over a septic drain field. Certain guidelines should be followed when planting on a drain field: • dont add more soil over a drain field in order to plant. • dont be too enthusiastic when tilling the soil because the drain lines are very close to the surface (in some cases, only six inches). • always wear gloves when digging or weeding the soil over the septic drain field to protect against harmful organisms that may leach into the soil from wastewater. • choose plants that do not require frequent dividing, or do not need extra fertilizers to survive. • choose plants that are suited to the average rainfalls in your area, which will avoid the need for extra watering. • dont add extra mulch or choose plant species such as groundcovers that create a dense carpet, because they will restrict the evaporation of soil moisture and interfere with the exchange of oxygen. In general, low maintenance plants are best because the goal is to keep foot traffic and other activity to a minimum over a septic drain field. You can get more information about Septic Additives,Septic Cleaners by visiting Septic Cleaning Services
Posted on: Sat, 20 Sep 2014 00:56:40 +0000