We have done some of the research for you and here is what we have found.
The Scoop Here
Here is an an overview of some things we are thinking about when it comes to planting over a drain field. The septic tank drain fields, or also called leach fields in Vancouver, are made up of perforated pipes, laid out in 2- to 4 ft deep, gravel-filled trenches. As water goes from the home into the septic tank, effluent flows into the perforated pipes where it is absorbed and filtered by the soil.
Soil and plant roots help in the purification of the effluent, but excess roots can clog or damage the fields and pipes.
Grass
Planted grass that is densely planted would be a good choice the majority of the time in the Vancouver WA area. Whether you prefer a close-cropped "putting green" style lawn or favor a wilder, meadow type, grass will help filter and purify septic material. Native grasses, common lawn grasses and lawn weeds "are not likely to be harmful to the system, they stabilize the soils i
If you find that your drain field is a prominent part of your landscape you might want to add some drought tolerant, shallow-rooted, herbaceous perennials and annuals.
The Washington State University extension recommends annuals such as impatiens, coleus and wax begonias for shade and saliva, marigolds and zinnias for sun. Shallow-rooted perennials include lavender, phlox and astilbe.
Do not construct raised beds or use plastic, gravel or landscape fabric on your fields. Doing so can cause soil compaction and reduce drainage and oxygen transpiration, functions necessary to efficient field operation.
Trees or L'Arbres (As the French Say)
Trees should not be planted on your drain fields because they will, in time, damage your fields and pipes. Repairs will be costly and in most cases, you will lose the tree. Beeches, birches, willows and maples are the most field-unfriendly trees.
Cherries, dogwoods, hemlocks and pines have less aggressive roots, but should still be used with caution. According to the Virginia Cooperative Extension, "Trees should be planted at least as far away as their estimated root spread at maturity." Root spread is generally comparable to the mature height of the tree.
For example, a maple tree can be expected to grow to 70 feet, which is the minimum planting distance from your septic fields.
You can find tree landscape Vancouver Wa companies by clicking here or going to the local yellow book pages.
Watering the Plants
When considering plants for your septic field in the Vancouver WA area, choose varieties that have minimal water requirements. Septic fields are designed to process the water from your home with allowances made for typical amounts of rainfall.
Excess water from sprinklers and heavy hand watering can reduce its efficiency. In the same vein, water from your downspouts should be directed away from your fields.
Cautions to Take
Drainage fields are durable but not indestructible. Soil can become compacted and less able to filter if cars or trucks are routinely parked on fields. Horses and other large animals can compact and damage fields as well.
Do not use tillers or ditching equipment when landscaping your drain fields, because these tools can easily dig too deeply and cause damage to pipes and trenches.
For more information about landscaping your lawn Vancouver WA please check out this resource as well. It talks about
