Best Trees to Plant Near a Septic System

While trees can enhance the beauty of your yard, provide shade, and stabilize soil, it’s important to choose the right types when planting near a septic system. The wrong trees, especially those with aggressive or deep root systems, can invade septic pipes, tanks, and drain fields, causing costly damage. Here’s a guide to the best trees to plant near a septic system—trees with shallow roots that are less likely to interfere with your septic system’s functioning.

Top 7 Trees to Plant Near Septic Systems

1. Dogwood (Cornus species)

Dogwoods are small, ornamental trees known for their beautiful flowers and modest size. They have shallow root systems that are less likely to invade your septic system.

Height: 15-30 feet
Distance from Septic: At least 20 feet
Benefits: Attractive flowers and foliage, manageable size, non-invasive roots

2. Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)

Japanese maples are popular for their striking leaf shapes and colors. Their shallow, fibrous roots make them a safe choice for planting near septic systems.

Height: 10-25 feet
Distance from Septic: At least 20 feet
Benefits: Ornamental appeal, shallow roots, adaptable to various soil types

3. Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

Eastern redbuds are small, native trees that offer beautiful pink or purple flowers in spring. Their root systems are not aggressive, making them safer for septic system areas.

Height: 20-30 feet
Distance from Septic: At least 25 feet
Benefits: Stunning spring flowers, non-invasive roots, drought-tolerant

4. Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata)

Star magnolias are small, ornamental trees that bloom early in spring. Their shallow, non-invasive roots make them a good choice for planting near septic tanks or drain fields.

Height: 15-20 feet
Distance from Septic: At least 20 feet
Benefits: Early spring blooms, compact size, shallow root system

5. Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)

Crape myrtles are drought-tolerant trees that bloom profusely in summer. Their shallow root systems and relatively small size make them suitable for planting near septic systems.

Height: 15-25 feet
Distance from Septic: At least 20 feet
Benefits: Long bloom time, drought-resistant, shallow roots

6. Amur Maple (Acer ginnala)

The Amur maple is a small tree with a non-aggressive root system that poses little threat to septic tanks. It’s often grown as a multi-stemmed shrub or small tree.

Height: 15-20 feet
Distance from Septic: At least 20 feet
Benefits: Beautiful fall color, adaptable to different soils, manageable roots

7. Flowering Crabapple (Malus species)

Flowering crabapples are known for their beautiful spring blooms and compact size. Their non-invasive root systems make them a safe choice for septic systems.

Height: 15-25 feet
Distance from Septic: At least 20 feet
Benefits: Spring flowers, small fruit for wildlife, shallow roots

General Guidelines for Planting Trees Near Septic Systems

Distance Matters: Even with shallow-rooted trees, it’s important to plant them at least 20 feet away from the septic system. Larger trees with more extensive root systems should be planted 50 feet or more away.
Choose Trees with Shallow Roots: Always opt for trees that have non-invasive, shallow root systems. Trees with deep or aggressive roots can penetrate septic tanks, pipes, and drain fields.
Monitor Growth: Regularly inspect the area around your septic system for signs of tree root invasion, such as slow drains or soggy spots in the yard.
Regular Maintenance: Even with the best tree choices, it’s important to perform regular septic system maintenance, including inspections and pumping, to ensure that roots aren’t causing unseen issues.

Best Trees to Plant Near Septic Systems

Tree	Height	Minimum Distance from Septic System	Key Benefits
Dogwood	15-30 feet	20 feet	Beautiful flowers, shallow roots
Japanese Maple	10-25 feet	20 feet	Ornamental appeal, non-invasive roots
Eastern Redbud	20-30 feet	25 feet	Stunning spring flowers, shallow roots
Star Magnolia	15-20 feet	20 feet	Early blooms, compact size
Crape Myrtle	15-25 feet	20 feet	Long bloom time, drought-resistant
Amur Maple	15-20 feet	20 feet	Fall color, manageable root system
Flowering Crabapple	15-25 feet	20 feet	Spring flowers, non-invasive roots

Trees to Avoid Planting Near Septic Systems

It’s also helpful to know which trees to avoid planting near your septic system. Trees with aggressive root systems can easily cause damage to your pipes, tank, or drain field. Here are some trees to keep far away:

Willows
Oaks
Maples (Silver, Norway)
Poplars
Birches
Elms

These trees have roots that aggressively seek out water sources, including your septic system, and can quickly cause expensive damage.

Conclusion

Choosing the right trees to plant near your septic system can help you enjoy a beautiful yard without risking damage to your pipes, drain field, or septic tank. By selecting trees with shallow roots, maintaining proper distance from the system, and monitoring growth, you can protect your septic system while enhancing your landscape. Regular inspections and maintenance of your septic system will ensure it continues working efficiently.