Show All Answers

1. Can I just leave my drainfield blank?

Sand, bark, wood chips, gravel, or plain dirt over your drainfield may sound easy, but these materials keep oxygen from getting into the ground, and bare soil can start to wash away. Plants help with oxygen exchange, keep soil healthy, and hold dirt in place so your drainfield can do its job.

2. What about near my septic tank or pump tank?

Risers: If you don't already have risers, installing them is a great idea. They allow for easy access to tanks during routine inspections and pumping.

Plants & Ground Covers: Things like bark, wood chips, and gravel are okay here. Wastewater is not treated in the soil next to tanks, so there isn't a need for plants. All the other advice still applies though. Don't put anything heavy over this area. If you do plant something, stick to shallow-rooted plants to avoid damage to tanks and pipes.

3. What about those other lids in my yard?

Some septic systems have lids out in the drainfield. These are access ports that allow for easy inspection of the drainfield. Make sure that your landscaping doesn't bury or hide them.

4. What about my reserve area?

Protect this the same way as your drainfield. If you do things to damage the soil in your reserve area, it may not be useable in the future for a replacement drainfield if your current one fails.