[Tomwest]

I have just planted some apple trees some of which are over our percolation area of our septic tank. The pipes are down 6ft and were covered with polythene when laid as is normal practice.How deep do the roots of an apple tree go and will I have a problem in 20 years time ? The ground is very well drained but I am worried that eventually the roots of the trees will find their way to the pipes and block the holes in the underside of them.

[michael brenock]

if pipes are down 6feet I would not be worried about them as rots of apple trees will not go that depth. They spread out roughly beyond the spread of the branches.
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)