Autumn is truly a season of change. Whether it’s the colorful foliage, cooler temperatures, and the perfect opportunity to begin preparing your property before winter arrives. Yes, most homeowners are focusing on the raking of the leaves and the planting of the mums, there waits one hidden system in your yard which deserves an equal amount of attention: your septic system.
Your septic tank and drain field may not be as prominently visible as your flowerbeds, but they’re certainly affected by how you choose to landscape and maintain your yard in the autumn season. If the connection between these two factors is neglected, it may lead to costly repairs, system backups, and possibly even environmental hazards.
Here at Wholesale Septic Supply, we truly believe the best way to avoid septic system problems is through proactive care, and fall landscaping is the perfect starting point. In this post, we’ll be sure to walk you through everything you need to know when it comes to maintaining your yard in ways that support your septic system’s overall health and longevity.
Your septic system is essentially an ecosystem, but underground. Wastewater will flow from your home into the septic tank, where naturally occurring and developing bacteria breaks down waste. From there, wastewater liquids will make their way into the drain field area, where it’s then filtered and safely dispersed through soil filtration.
With this being said, you’ll want to consider all possible scenarios where landscaping could affect your actual septic tank system. Everything from heavy tree root systems, to compacted soil from fall activities reducing the absorption capabilities, or even piles of soggy leaves suffocating the drain field from doing its job correctly. Each of these scenarios could end up disrupting the delicate balance of bacteria and functionality your septic system ultimately relies on.
Poor landscaping choices may end up causing the following:
Root intrusion, leading to cracks in pipes or blockage of water flow
Drainage problems, leading to oversaturation of the soil around the drain field area
Soil compaction, preventing proper oxygenation of microbes which process waste solids
Proactively planned landscaping, on the other hand, protects your investment. Through choosing the right plants, managing your water wisely, and respecting the space above and around your septic system, you’re able to extend your septic system’s lifespan and avoid costly repairs down the road.
If you’re planting new plants this fall season, you’ll want to choose plants and vegetation which won’t interfere with your septic system lines. Shallow-rooted plants, such as native grasses, wildflowers, and clover can be excellent choices. These types of shallow-rooted plants prevent soil erosion, add a nice look and feel to your yard, and they don’t reach deep enough in the soil to threaten your septic system.
Other preferred options for septic tank drain fields consist of:
Ornamental grasses: switchgrass & blue fescue
Perennials: black-eyed Susans & coneflowers
Low-maintenance groundcovers: creeping thyme & sedum
Here at Wholesale Septic Supply, we’ve seen homeowners save thousands in septic system repair costs simply by sticking to shallow-rooted plants instead of large shrubs or trees near their septic area.
Deep-rooted plant species are some of the biggest culprits when it comes to septic system damage. Avoid planting willows, poplars, and oaks near your septic system, as these types of tree species will likely cause disruption to your septic system with their deep roots. These types of trees have roots which aggressively seek out moisture sources and nutrients, which in turn makes your septic lines a prime target and source of said moisture. If you happen to already have these types of trees near your drain field, be sure to monitor for any and all signs of root intrusion. If problems begin to arise, be sure to reach out to a local septic professional and reach out to us as well for any further guidance. We’ll be happy to help!
Fall is one of the best times of year for planting. With the cooler temperatures and more consistent rainfall in many areas, you’re going to find your plants become well established before winter sets in. Always remember to keep all plants, shrubs, and trees a good distance away from your drain field area. It’s best to think of the drain field area as a “do not disturb” zone where only grass or shallow-rooted plants belong.
Although falling leaves may appear harmless, they can end up smothering your drain field if left unchecked. When soggy leaves begin to pile up, they’ll start to trap excess moisture, block sunlight, and prevent the soil in your drain field from properly absorbing wastewater. As time goes on, this may end up creating soggy conditions where backups or system inefficiencies occur.
Raking your drain field on a regular basis and moving leaves away from your septic system into compost piles is a proactive measure to ensure your septic system is safe and sound. If you’re mulching, you’ll want to use the leaves sparingly around your septic system’s location and avoid piling them directly over any septic tank lids, inspection ports, or the drain field itself.
Another commonly overlooked issue is the organic matter which enters your septic tank during the fall season. Yard debris, even in smaller amounts, may begin to upset the delicate microbial balance of your septic tank.
The fall season will typically bring in more rain than usual, and in some areas of the country, early bouts of snowfall. When this is combined with other issues such as blocked gutters, you'll find excess water flowing straight into your drain field. As time goes on, the oversaturated soil around your drain field will begin to struggle to absorb wastewater, which in turn may lead to surface-level pooling or even full-on backups in your home.
Regrade soil so water flows away from your septic area.
Install swales or French drains to redirect excess runoff
Clean gutters and downspouts to prevent water from pooling near your system
At Wholesale Septic Supply, we will often advise homeowners in wetter climates to pair proper landscaping techniques with regular effluent filter maintenance. A clean effluent filter ensures your system processes wastewater effectively, even during periods of heavy rain.
One of the most common mistakes homeowners will make in the fall season is using their drain field area as extra storage space. Whether it’s piling up firewood, parking vehicles, or driving lawn tractors, this activity will eventually lead to compacted soil. Compacted soil will reduce the available oxygen supply septic tank microbes need to properly break down waste. Additionally, it also decreases the drain field soil’s ability to absorb water.
You should consider designating your drain field as a no-go area for any heavy equipment, vehicles, or long-term storage. Landscaping elements such as decorative stones or shrubs, ideally planted far enough away, can serve as reminders of this no-go zone, while also enhancing your overall curb appeal.
The fall season is the perfect time of year to pair yard work with ongoing, annual septic maintenance. Prior to the winter season freezing the ground, you should consider taking these steps:
If it’s been around 3-5 years since your last septic tank pumping, you should schedule one this fall season. Colder weather makes treating emergencies much more difficult to handle. Between septic pumpings, Wholesale Septic Supply can be your go-to source for all things septic supplies to keep your septic system running efficiently and effectively for many years to come.
It’s always a good idea to inspect your septic tank access points for any cracks or loose fittings. A cracked septic tank lid may allow debris, leaves, or even pests inside; none of which are ideal. If you do happen to need replacement septic risers and lids, we carry durable products for your needs, designed for all seasons.
Proactively inspecting and cleaning your effluent filter is always a good idea. A clogged filter could lead to drain field stress. This is especially true when autumn rainfall begins to oversaturate the ground. Affordable replacement effluent filters are available at Wholesale Septic Supply.
Even well-intentioned landscaping projects may end up harming your system. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Planting the wrong trees or shrubs near your tank or drain field
Over watering lawns in fall, which could end up over saturating the soil
Adding heavy rock landscaping directly over the septic tank or field
Ignoring drainage paths, likely causing water to pool around your system
If you have made any of these mistakes, don’t worry. Many of these issues can be easily corrected with the right level of proactive care paired with the right supplies from Wholesale Septic Supply.
Landscaping and septic care might not seem to be initially connected, yet in reality, they do go hand in hand. For this reason, having the right partner matters. Wholesale Septic Supply is happy to offer:
Affordable parts & supplies: From riser lids to effluent filters, and so much more
Expert guidance: Our team is here to answer any and all questions you may have and recommend the best solutions for your specific issues
Fast shipping: We know septic issues can’t wait, especially before winter, which is why we offer fast shipping and amazing customer service
Trusted products: Homeowners and contractors alike rely on us for quality and excellent customer care
When you choose to shop with Wholesale Septic Supply, you’re not just buying septic supply products, you’re investing in your overall peace of mind.
Fall landscaping is not just about raking leaves or sprucing up your yard space; it’s about protecting the vital septic systems beneath your soil. When you plant shallow-rooted plant species, keep leaves off of your drain field, better manage your water flow, and avoid soil compaction, you’re able to give your septic tank the right level of support it needs to last for many years to come.
Pairing these efforts with a dedicated fall maintenance checklist will allow you to prevent the most common seasonal problems homeowners face.
When you need the right septic supplies or expert advice, you’ll want to work with us at Wholesale Septic Supply. We’re here to help with our affordable products, our quality guarantees, our excellent customer service, and our dedication to ensuring your septic system is running efficiently and effectively all year long.
So as you begin to enjoy this fall season, don’t forget to show your septic system a little extra care this year. Your future self, and your wallet, will thank you. Shop our wide selection of products using the button below. We look forward to working with you soon!
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