Can You Plant Fruit Trees Near a Leach Field?

Leach fields are areas in your yard where wastewater from your septic system is distributed into the soil for absorption and cleansing. Some homeowners may wonder if it’s safe to plant fruit trees near a leach field. The answer is yes, but there are a few things to consider before planting.

The Distance Between Trees and Leach Fields

The distance between fruit trees and leach fields should be at least 30 feet. This is to allow enough space for the roots to grow without damaging the pipes in your leach field. If the tree is planted too close to the leach field, the roots could interfere with its function and cause a costly backup.

The Type of Trees to Plant Near Leach Fields

When planting near a leach field, it’s important to choose the right type of tree. Trees that have shallow roots are the best option. Avoid fruit trees like apple, pear, plum, and cherry trees as they require deep soil for root growth. Instead, opt for smaller fruit trees like peach, apricot, or nectarines that have shallow roots and won’t interfere with your leach field.

The Soil Quality

The quality of the soil around your leach field is essential to maintaining its function. Test the soil before planting any fruit trees to ensure that the pH level is neutral (between 6.0-7.0). If the pH level is too high, adding sulfur to the soil will help lower it. If the level is too low, you will need to add lime to the soil. The soil should also be well-draining to prevent excess moisture from reaching the leach field.

The Care of Fruit Trees Near Leach Fields

Proper care of your fruit trees is crucial to keep them healthy and thriving while preventing damage to your leach field. Watering should be done carefully, avoiding the direct application of water to the leach field. It’s a good idea to mulch the area around your fruit trees to help retain moisture and control weed growth. Fertilizing your trees is also important to promote healthy growth, but avoid over-fertilizing which can cause excess runoff into the leach field.

The Bottom Line

Planting fruit trees near a leach field is possible but requires careful consideration and planning to ensure both the trees and the leach field function properly. Choose smaller fruit trees with shallow roots and plant them at least 30 feet away from the leach field. Test the soil and maintain proper care of the trees to keep them healthy while protecting your septic system.