Your garden is more than just a beautiful addition to your yard; it can also play a vital role in maintaining the health of your septic system. When chosen wisely, garden plants can naturally support your system, prevent costly damage, and even improve soil composition. If you’re a homeowner or gardening enthusiast, it’s time to explore how garden plants can help your septic system.
Why Your Septic System Needs a Helping Hand
Septic systems are underground wastewater systems designed to treat and process your household’s waste. Yet, even the best systems have vulnerabilities. Issues such as soil erosion, compacted soil, and excess moisture can reduce your system’s lifespan and effectiveness by putting pressure on it.
Here’s where your gardening skills come in. By choosing the right plants, you can alleviate some of these problems while elevating your outdoor space. However, if you bought your home recently, you should request a septic inspection before making any big decisions.
The Best Plants for Septic Systems
When planting around your septic system, stick to plants with shallow roots and minimal water requirements. Native grasses are low-maintenance and can adapt well to your region’s soil and climate. Plus, they can help prevent soil erosion by providing a natural cover over your septic drain field.
Black-eyed Susans, daisies and other wildflowers attract pollinators and improve soil stability without aggressive, potentially pipe-damaging root systems.
Creeping thyme and sedum add a pop of color and texture while also managing excessive moisture content in the soil.
Avoid planting trees and woody shrubs near your septic system because their extensive root systems can invade and damage your pipes or septic tank.
Benefits You Can Expect
Plants can stabilize the ground above your system, minimizing soil erosion that could expose parts of the infrastructure. Native plants will help water soak into the soil more efficiently, preventing oversaturation of your drain field. Decorative plants can enhance your yard’s appearance, camouflaging the less attractive aspects of your septic system.
Your septic system will thrive when you take a mindful approach to landscaping. Now that you understand how garden plants can help your septic system, you can safeguard your system and improve your property’s value and appearance.
