What can I plant over a leach field?
Question:
What can I plant over a leach field? There is a small hill ( about eight steps up) to the septic tank. There is also a slight dip downhill from the other side of the leach field. What is safe and okay to plant in these areas?
Answer:
Katherine Garland, Horticultural Professional
This is a great question. Here’s an excerpt from our bulletin Establishment of Vegetable Gardens on Septic System Disposal Fields:
“The most suitable plants to grow on top of septic system disposal fields and fill extensions is grass. It is also permissible to grow flowers, but only if the soil is not roto-tilled and minimal watering is done. No plants that have woody roots should be planted on the disposal field or fill extensions since the roots might clog up pipes and other devices in the disposal field.”