Septic-Friendly Landscaping Tips From Our Merritt Island Septic Company
Septic systems are located underneath the ground, so once they’re installed, they tend to be out of sight, out of mind. However, there are some important points to remember concerning your septic system when it comes to landscaping and any future lawn-care projects. Follow these landscaping tips from our Merritt Island septic company that will protect your underground system!
How Landscaping Choices Affect Septic Care
Septic systems need to be located where they are easily accessible for routine cleanings, which are recommended at least once every 3-5 years. This is an important point to consider whenever you start a new gardening project, plant any trees or shrubs, or want to add any recreational structures to your property. Even though the plot above your septic system may seem like a great place for your garden, we’re pretty sure you won’t appreciate having to uproot all of your hard work when your septic system needs to be serviced! Planting a vegetable garden too close to a septic system is also not an option because of the risk of contamination.
Certain plants, trees, and bushes can have roots that run too deep to safely plant above a septic tank or drainfield. Roots from trees are surprisingly persistent and can rupture parts of the septic system if they are too close. Roots from plants and trees also actively seek water sources and will grow in the direction of the closest one. For example, a weeping willow would be a poor choice of tree to plant anywhere near a septic tank or drainfield. This type of tree requires a lot of water and would quickly zero-in on the hydrating environment a septic drainfield provides. Even though there are limitations to what you may safely plant near your septic system, there are also plenty of options that work well and add to the beauty in your yard.
Appropriate Landscaping Options For Septic Systems
It’s a relief to know that there are options for anyone who owns a septic system and wants to landscape in their yard. Not only are there great options for landscaping over your septic system, but certain plants can actually prevent erosion and absorb excess water from your drain field. What an awesome and cost-free way to help prevent your drain field from becoming swamped!
What About Planting Around My Septic Tank Cover?
Many homeowners try to landscape around their septic tank cover as well. If you feel the appearance of your septic tank cover takes away from the aesthetic appeal of your lawn, there are solutions! Just remember to consider some helpful guidelines, and you will be good to go. Certain types of grass, like tall fescue grass and Kentucky bluegrass successfully reduce the view of your septic tank cover and are safe to plant in this location.
Be sure to do your research whenever you would like to plant anything over your septic tank cover. Our team members at Acme can also tell you if a plant is safe for septic landscaping as well.
What About Recreational Structures?
Swimming pools are a hot commodity for our Merritt Island community. Don’t worry – you can still have your swimming pool! Just don’t construct it over your septic system. Also keep in mind the location of:
Driveways
Sports courts
Sandboxes
Swing sets
Sheds
These structures can make accessibility too challenging if they are too close to your septic system. The weight can also cause problems such as soil compaction, which reduces the amount of oxygen that is supplied to the waste treatment system. Some other considerations to make include:
Don’t drive over your drainfield.
Be careful when installing a sprinkler system. These underground lines can obstruct parts of the septic system. Before installing a septic system, it is important to have an expert plot out the location so that it does not run into any existing water lines.
On the same note, professional septic service team members will be able to properly place your septic system to avoid any conflicts with existing power networks beneath the surface of your lawn.
It seems like there are a ton of rules for septic systems! Thankfully, these exist only to help your system perform at its best.
Other Helpful Tips For Septic Tank Maintenance
Besides routine cleanings, you should have your septic tank inspected yearly to keep it in top shape. It is also important to remember to not flush anything except toilet paper and human waste down your toilet, and avoid pouring any chemicals or grease down the drains in your home.
What Should I Do If My Septic System Gets Damaged?
Even if you have the right information, unexpected events can still take place that may cause damage to your septic system. Damages can occur as a result of landscaping problems or from natural disasters such as flooding and hurricanes. No matter the reason that you may need repairs performed, our Merritt Island septic company is always at your service. Our team members are trained and certified to perform any installations or repairs necessary to keep your septic system functioning at its best.
What Are Some Other Services That Acme Provides?
Our dump-truck services are available for you to use while you landscape. This service will make transferring any sand, gravel, plants, or other materials far easier.
Wondering about cost? Acme has a free pricing estimator on our website that can help you get a better idea of what your project will look like from a financial standpoint.
We also perform routine cleanings and can install any type of septic tank.
We can install your new septic system or provide any services for your existing one. We can also share our favorite landscaping tips! Contact Acme today to be your Merritt Island septic company!
