Landscaping Tips with a Septic System
A few simple steps will help ensure your septic system stays healthy and well-functioning for years to come.
Know the Layout: Get a copy of the as-built
An as-built is a drawing of your septic system in relation to your house and property boundaries. Your septic system designer completes the as-built after the septic system is installed. The Health Authority (in the CRD it is Vancouver Island Health Authority - VIHA: 250.519.3401) keeps as-built drawings on file as public information. You can request Public Health (VIHA) to search their records for your septic system. NOTE: Not all records are complete and older septic systems may not have as-builts; exact location of systems may be slightly different than the as-built drawings..
Locate the septic tank, drainfield and reserve area using the as-built
Avoid landscaping on or near the septic tank. Consider installing "risers" or septic tank lids to make septic tank pumping and monitoring visits easier and less time-consuming.
The septic tank, drainfield and reserve area should be clear of:
- underground sprinkler lines
- decks, patios, sports courts, or utility storage sheds
- swingsets
- sand boxes
- paved or dirt driveways
- parked vehicles
Begin the landscape design
After locating the septic tank, drainfield and reserve area, you may now begin the design phase.
Planting Tips
- Grass is by far the best plant for drainfields
- Avoid planting a vegetable garden on or near the drainfield or reserve area
- Remember that plants over the septic system may be disturbed or destroyed with repair work
- Avoid placing plastic sheets, bark, gravel or other fill over the drainfield or reserve area
- Avoid reshaping or filling the ground surface over the drainfield and reserve area (just adding topsoil is okay as long as it doesn't exceed a couple of inches over the drainfield area)
- Grass or existing native vegetation are the best covers for your drainfield and reserve area
- Direct all surface drainage areas away from the septic system
- Use non-invasive, native, shallow-rooted plants (see plant list at sidebar)
- Avoid water-loving plants and trees
- Don't construct ponds on or near the septic system and the reserve area