Septic question?

sgreen · #1 06/13/12, 10:50 AM

We are buying a home on almost 2 acres. It has septic which is a new experience for hubby and I. I know trees are bad news for the tank and drainage and was hoping for some advice. There are several decent sized maples fairly close (15-20ft) to the tank. Should we cut these down? I would hate for them to cause trouble with the septic. Thanks!

Catalpa · #2 06/13/12, 12:26 PM

Maples trees are marvelous to have, graceful and stately, providing beauty and shade. I wouldn't cut down a maple unless there was a truly drastic reason.

If your septic tank is properly sealed, the trees won't pose too much of a problem. Just get the tank pumped more frequently and check for root intrusion so you're not taken by surprise. There's some old time remedies of putting copper in the tank, but I would be more inclined to dig around the tank and add copper sulfate (the common active ingredient in most root-kill solutions) to the soil to keep the roots away.

The roots will cause more trouble for the drainfield, working their way into the distribution pips and clogging them. One ingenious idea I've seen is to install a cleanout in the line between the tank and the field, and extend the cleanout access to the ground surface. Then every six months or so, simply open the clean out and add copper sulfate. This will send it out into the field and keep the roots from getting in, and avoids adding the root-kill solution to the tank, where it could potentially change the pH of the tank and upset the bacteria there.

The fellow who came up with the above idea has an 800 sq. ft. tile bed in sandy soil, with red maples within ten feet of the system, and has never had any root trouble.

Just some ideas that may help you consider saving the trees.

sgreen · #3 06/13/12, 12:45 PM

Thanks so much! I would hate to cut the trees down. They are fantastic and we love them, but we love no septic problems more.

I think the field is safe. It is exactly that, a field with no trees surrounding or in it. I was more worried about the top of the pipes and the tank. I'll do more research about the copper sulfate and talk to the hubby about it. Love the cleanout idea.

dirtman · #4 06/13/12, 06:58 PM

Roots are only a problem for the drainfield. The tank is probably concrete and should be water and therefore root tight. I wouldn't worry about this at all.

Barry Rooks · #5 06/27/12, 05:34 PM

Concrete septic tanks are not safe from roots. They are safe from the larger ones, but I have had the fine hair like roots clog the entrance and exit chamber of a septic tank.

Catalpa · #6 07/01/12, 05:53 PM

Yep that's why I recommend pumping the tank more often to keep an eye on it and kill off roots as necessary. I've seen a lot of roots get in a lot of tanks over the years.

francismilker · #7 07/01/12, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Catalpa

Yep that's why I recommend pumping the tank more often to keep an eye on it and kill off roots as necessary. I've seen a lot of roots get in a lot of tanks over the years.

FYI, if your septic system is working properly you should NEVER have to pump it. You may want to open it up for inspection, but if the microbes and bacteria are in working order the solids are broken down into liquids and distributed out in the lateral field.

To the OP, I wouldn't worry about hardwoods being too evasive on a septic system. Most of the time it's softwoods like elm, willow, cyprus, cottonwood, and sycamore (just to name a few) that invade lateral fields. Most of the times the hardwoods have a hard time surviving in real moist climates and tend to not thrive in those areas. There are exceptions to this rule but I sure wouldn't let a maple tree worry me about a septic system.

oneokie · #8 07/02/12, 04:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by francismilker

Most of the time it's softwoods like elm, willow, cyprus, cottonwood, and sycamore (just to name a few) that invade lateral fields.

Not to be snarky, but any tree that loses its leaves in the fall is a hardwood. (Deciduous)

The worst I am aware of are Mimosa, Mulberry (fruiting and non fruiting). Roots of these trees can run more than 50 feet. Most regulations pertaining to septic systems require a minimum of 50' buffer zone for trees.

mwillardson · #9 07/26/12, 12:59 AM

adding a little copper sulphate once a year isn't a bad idea, also add a pound of bakers yeast to you system once a year is a good idea too. I have been told by more than one old timer that the yeast will keep your system flowing free. also be careful about toilet paper use to. if it doesn't break down in a quart jar of water when you shake it it will add to the solids and sludge of your tank, which will cause you to have to pump about every two years. A happy seotic is a happy home

Bearfootfarm · #10 07/26/12, 01:57 AM

Quote:

I have been told by more than one old timer that the yeast will keep your system flowing free.

Everything that NEEDS to be added to a septic system is added every time you use it for it's intended purpose

"Old timers" aren't necessarily knowledgeable.

They're just old

arnie · #11 07/29/12, 08:48 PM

The best idea iv seen quite often in the country is to divert the grey water so as to not add huge amounts of water from showering and mostlly from the laundry ,with the bleach and soap killing off the bacteria whitch is what makes a tank work rather than just store waste also disposeing of cooking oil and grease lse where helps .tree roots areva troub.e maker and may cause problems .differint trees more than uthers willows being one of the worst if I remmber right maples are less trobulesome

Darren · #12 07/29/12, 09:12 PM

It depends on the kind of maple. The root structure varies. You don't want any tree growing near a septic field that can survive in a floodplain. Many maples have surface or shallow roots and do well just like willows. That means those roots as cpmpared to a tree with a tap root can cause problesm.