Pro Drainage Group is the UK’s leading drainage company with over 20 years of experience, installing and emptying thousands of septic tanks every year.
If you have a septic tank beneath your garden, you can still create an attractive outdoor space. However, you need to plan landscaping carefully around the system.
So, can you landscape over a septic tank? Light landscaping is often possible if you choose suitable plants and keep the tank, access points and drainage field clear. Grass and shallow rooted plants are usually better choices than trees, large shrubs, buildings or heavy structures.
Remember that your septic tank forms part of a working drainage system. Avoid anything that could block access, damage underground components or affect the drainage field.
If you do not know the location or condition of your septic system, seek professional advice before starting significant landscaping work.
Reach out to our TeamBefore landscaping, remember that your septic system includes more than the tank itself.
The septic tank receives wastewater from your property. Solids settle inside the tank while liquid effluent flows into a drainage field, where the soil provides further treatment.
In England, septic tanks that discharge into the ground must use a suitable drainage field. This usually consists of perforated pipes laid in trenches that disperse wastewater through the surrounding soil.
When planning your garden, consider both the septic tank and drainage field.
If you do not know where they are located, find out before starting any significant landscaping work.
Learn MoreSimple planting usually works best around a septic tank.
Grass is a practical choice because it has shallow roots and requires little excavation. It also keeps the area accessible for emptying, inspections and maintenance.
Some shallow rooted plants may also be suitable. Choose plants that:
Always consider how large a plant will become. A small plant can develop extensive roots over time, so check its mature size before planting near your septic system.
Give us a CallTake extra care when planting trees near a septic system. Tree roots can spread considerable distances as they search for water and nutrients.
Avoid planting trees directly over a septic tank, pipework or drainage field. Large shrubs can also cause problems.
If you want trees in your garden, consider their distance from the entire septic system. The appropriate location will depend on the species, mature size and layout of your system.
If you are unsure, seek professional advice. Moving a tree before planting is far easier than repairing damage to an underground septic system later.
Talk to our TeamAvoid building a patio directly over a septic tank unless a professional has assessed the system and your plans.
A septic tank needs clear access for emptying, inspections and maintenance. Paving over access points can make routine servicing difficult and may require you to lift sections of the patio later.
The additional weight and construction work could also affect the tank below.
Instead, design your patio around the septic system and keep access points clear.
If your septic tank is affecting your landscaping plans, Pro Septic Tanks can assess the system and provide professional advice before work begins.
Get in TouchAvoid building a shed or permanent structure directly over a septic tank.
Even a small garden building can block access and make maintenance difficult. Larger structures can also place additional weight on the system. The same applies to extensions, garden rooms and garages.
Before starting major building or landscaping work, locate your septic tank, pipework and drainage field.
If your septic tank sits in an inconvenient location, arrange a professional assessment. A specialist can inspect the system and explain the available options before work begins.
Find out MoreDo not assume that your septic tank or drainage field can support vehicles or heavy machinery.
Avoid using the area as a driveway, parking space or regular vehicle route. Heavy machinery can also damage parts of the system or compact the surrounding ground.
Take particular care during garden renovations when excavators, delivery vehicles and other machinery may enter the property.
Before work begins, tell contractors where the septic tank and drainage field are located. Clearly marking the area can help prevent vehicles from accidentally passing over vulnerable parts of the system.
Contact us TodayThe drainage field plays an essential role in your septic system. It allows wastewater to pass through the ground for further treatment.
In England, septic tank effluent discharged into the ground must pass through a suitable drainage field under the general binding rules.
Avoid landscaping that could damage the drainage field or affect the surrounding ground. Do not plant trees or large shrubs nearby, as their roots can cause problems. You should also avoid buildings, patios and other substantial structures.
Take care when changing ground levels or drainage arrangements too.
Treat the drainage field as an important working part of your septic system rather than simply an unused area of your garden.
Talk to our TeamRaised beds may seem like a simple way to disguise a septic system, but you should avoid placing them directly over the tank or drainage field.
Adding soil can change ground levels and make maintenance more difficult. Raised beds may also require excavation, heavy edging and deeper rooted plants.
Growing vegetables near wastewater treatment areas can create additional concerns.
If you want raised beds, position them elsewhere in the garden. Keep planting around the septic system simple and maintain clear access to the tank.
Reach out to usYou may want to hide a septic tank cover to improve the appearance of your garden. However, you should always keep it accessible.
Septic tanks need regular emptying and maintenance. Environment Agency guidance states that you must remove accumulated sludge before it exceeds the tank’s maximum capacity. Tanks should usually be emptied at least once a year or according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Make sure your septic tank emptying company can easily reach the access point. Avoid covering it with paving, decking, heavy planters or other permanent features.
You can still landscape the surrounding area attractively. Simply design around the access cover so it remains easy to reach when required.
Lets ChatSeptic tank problems can sometimes appear after landscaping work.
Look out for warning signs such as:
These problems can have several causes, so landscaping may not always be responsible.
However, if you notice changes after carrying out significant work near your septic system, arrange an inspection. A professional can identify the cause and recommend the appropriate solution.
Talk to the ExpertsA good garden design should work for years, not just when you first complete it. This means planning for future septic tank maintenance.
Regular emptying helps prevent solids from reaching the drainage field, where they could cause damage or pollution.
Make sure professionals can easily reach the tank when it needs emptying. Keep access covers clear and avoid landscaping that would need removing each time maintenance takes place.
Planning for easy access from the beginning can prevent unnecessary work, disruption and expense later.
Contact our TeamOwners of older properties do not always know exactly where their septic tank and drainage field are located.
This can cause problems when planning an extension, driveway, patio or major garden renovation.
Do not assume the position of an access cover shows where the entire system runs. Locate the tank and drainage field before starting substantial work. This can reduce the risk of accidental damage or obstruction.
Knowing the location of your system is also useful when selling your property. In England, sellers must provide the new operator with written information about the main parts of the treatment and drainage system, including their location.
If you are unsure where your septic system is located, Pro Septic Tanks can provide professional advice and septic tank services.
Speak with usYou do not usually need professional help to mow the grass or maintain shallow planting around a septic tank.
However, you should consider professional advice before making significant changes to your garden.
This is particularly important if you plan to:
You should also seek advice if you do not know where your drainage field is or have concerns about the condition of your septic tank.
Every property and septic system is different. Professional advice can help you understand your particular installation and avoid work that could damage the tank or drainage field.
Find out More TodayLandscaping and septic systems can work well together when you plan your garden around the drainage system.
Keep landscaping above and around the septic system simple. Avoid deep rooted trees, heavy structures and excessive weight. You should also keep the septic tank accessible for routine emptying, maintenance and inspections.
Remember to protect the drainage field too. Looking after the tank alone will not protect the entire system. The drainage field needs suitable ground conditions to disperse treated wastewater safely.
Pro Septic Tanks provides professional septic tank services across the UK. The team can assist with septic tank emptying, maintenance, new installations and advice on existing systems.
If you are planning major landscaping work near your septic tank, contact Pro Septic Tanks for professional advice and assistance.
Ask our TeamGrass and carefully selected shallow rooted planting are generally among the most practical options. Avoid anything that could obstruct access, introduce damaging roots or place excessive weight over the system.
Some shallow rooted plants may be suitable. Choose plants that require minimal excavation and avoid species that will develop substantial or aggressive root systems.
This depends on where the gravel will be placed, its depth and how the area will be used. A decorative treatment is very different from creating a parking area or driveway. Access to the tank must also be maintained. If you are planning substantial changes, seek advice based on your particular system.