Can You Plant Fruit Trees Over a Septic Field?

Planting fruit trees can be a great way to enhance the beauty and productivity of your home landscape. But before you plant, it’s important to consider the location of your septic field. While fruit trees can be planted over a septic field, there are some important factors to keep in mind to ensure a healthy and safe growing environment.

Understanding the Septic Field

The septic field is the area of your property where wastewater from your home is treated and dispersed into the soil. The system typically consists of a series of underground pipes and chambers filled with gravel, which allow the wastewater to be naturally filtered and absorbed by the soil. Because the septic system is an essential component of your home’s sanitary system, it’s important to take care when planting trees, shrubs or other plants in the surrounding area.

Choosing the Right Trees

Some types of fruit trees are better suited to planting over a septic field than others. Trees with shallow roots, such as citrus, peach, plum, and apple trees, are typically a better choice than deep-rooted trees like oak or maple trees. Additionally, dwarf fruit trees are a good option for planting over a septic field as they tend to have smaller root systems.

Planting Considerations

Before planting fruit trees over your septic field, be sure to consider the following factors:

Spacing: Be sure to space your fruit trees at least 20 feet away from any part of the septic field. This helps to prevent roots from growing into the pipes and chambers, which can cause serious damage to your septic system.

Watering: Be careful not to overwater your fruit trees, as this can cause excess moisture to collect around the septic field. This can result in soil compaction and reduce the soil’s ability to treat wastewater.

Fertilizing: When fertilizing your fruit trees, be sure to use organic materials such as compost or well-rotted manure. These materials are less likely to contribute to soil compaction or contain harmful chemicals that can damage your septic field.

Pruning: Prune your fruit trees regularly to keep them from growing too close to the septic field. This helps to prevent the roots from invading the pipes and chambers.

Final Thoughts

Planting fruit trees over a septic field can be a great way to enjoy the beauty and productivity of your backyard without causing harm to your septic system. Just be sure to choose the right trees, space them properly, and take care when watering, fertilizing, and pruning to ensure a healthy and happy growing environment.