Think I planted potentially damaging trees near septic tank

spiracles · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 19 Apr 2015 Posts: 36

Could someone advise. I think I am after making a mistake. I recently planted these trees in the vicinity of a spetic tank and am worried about the effect they might have. I had no idea about septic tanks or the potential damage that can be caused. I was stupid.

Cryptomeria japonica ‘Elegans’ Japanese-Cedar. (6 feet from leach field)
Cryptomeria japonica Cristata (6 feet from leach field)
Prunus Avium (20 feet from leach field)
Rhus typhina Dissecta (Laciniata) (6 feet from tank)

Can someone tell me, should I remove all these? I don't really have anywhere else to plant them so it would be a shame, but I am panicking now

Thanks

tagwex · Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2020 9:32 am Post subject:

Potential damage will be caused by roots getting into the pipework. Are you sure it is a septic tank and not a treatment plant?
General rule of thumb is to find out the mature height of those trees and keep away 2.5 times that height away from any structures.

spiracles · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 19 Apr 2015 Posts: 36

tagwex · Posted: Wed Oct 07, 2020 10:34 am Post subject:

Without checking, if its a tap root then it should OK, if its a lateral root system then maybe not. How far from the tank is it?