How Do You Landscape A Septic Mound?

This post may contain affiliate links. This means I will make a commission at no extra cost to you should you click through and make a purchase. Read the Affiliate Disclaimer and Privacy Policy.

Introduction

Septic mound systems are one of the most common types of septic systems used in rural areas. How Do You Landscape A Septic Mound? Find Out Now!
It is important to know that septic mound systems are unsightly and an eye sore. How Do You Landscape A Septic Mound? Landscaping a septic mound system is not an easy task. It can be time-consuming and expensive if done incorrectly.

Advantages of Landscaping Septic Mound

There are many advantages of landscaping a septic mound. Some of the most significant benefits are:

Landscaping a septic mound provides an aesthetic value for your home or business. It beautifies the septic mound which is usually an eye sore and unsightly.
It prevents soil erosion.
Plants help the septic mound system function optimally by optimizing oxygen supply and removing moisture from the mound via transpiration.
It provides plant or grass cover to your septic system. This cover provides insulation that helps prevent your septic system from freezing during winter. Plants also hold snow in place which helps provide further septic tank insulation during winter.

What can I plant on top of septic mound?

septic tank septic mound landscaping ideas

One of the most common questions that people ask is what can I plant on top of a septic mound? Ornamental grasses and Herbaceous plants are ideal for planting on top of a septic mound. This is because they have shallow roots that won`t grow deep into the septic system and end up damaging septic pipes. Another advantage of herbaceous plants and ornamental grasses is their robust, fibrous roots, which are excellent at holding soil together.

Shrubs and tree species such as eucalyptus, maple, birch and walnut must never be planted near the septic mound because they have deep roots that will end up destroying your septic pipes. You should not plant vegetables on top of your septic mound because of the high risk of bacterial contamination.

It’s important to ensure that your mound is at least 3 feet tall and has a minimum width of 90 feet. Drought-resistant plants are ideal for septic mounds since over-watering the mound can damage it. It is recommended to plant low-maintenance grass or plants on the septic mound. Low maintenance plants require less pruning, weeding or mowing. This means that you won’t spend a lot of time walking over your septic mound, which can lead to compacted soil and damaged septic pipes.

Should you mow your septic mound?

You may be wondering whether to mow your septic mound or not. The answer to this question is a resounding Yes! You should mow your septic mound once or twice a year by only using light weight equipment such as a hand mower. This helps ensure that there is minimal risk of soil compaction.

Sunflowers over septic field

Sunflowers are a common sight on farms and in gardens. However, they can also be planted over septic fields. They have a fibrous root system that holds soil together. Another major upside of sunflowers is the fact that they do not require a lot of water or maintenance.

Native plants septic field

Native grasses, wildflowers and herbaceous plants are excellent for growing on septic fields because they have shallow roots and are good at holding soil together.

How Do You Landscape A Septic Mound: FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about landscaping a septic mound, along with their answers:

Walking on a septic mound can cause damages to the septic components and compress the soil, which can interfere with the filtration of effluent as it seeps into the ground. This can lead to problems with the septic system and potentially harmful environmental effects. Soil compaction also makes the mound septic system pipes highly susceptible to freezing during winter. It is best to avoid walking on septic mounds to prevent these issues.

Mound septic systems, like all septic systems, may emit smells or odors if not properly maintained or if there is an issue with the system. However, with regular maintenance and proper usage, mound septic systems should not produce noticeable smells. Regular pumping, avoiding flushing inappropriate materials, and proper ventilation can help prevent unpleasant odors from mound septic systems.

Mound septic systems, like any other type of septic system, require regular maintenance, including pumping. Over time, solids and sludge can accumulate in the mound and can eventually lead to system failure. Pumping helps remove these accumulated solids and prevents clogging, ensuring the system functions properly and prevents environmental contamination. Regular pumping is essential for the longevity and effectiveness of the mound septic system.

A mound septic system may be needed when the soil on a property is not suitable for a traditional septic system. It is typically used in areas with high water tables, poor soil quality, or limited space, where an elevated drain field is required for effective wastewater treatment.

A septic mound system typically consists of a raised, elongated mound of soil with a network of perforated pipes and gravel for wastewater distribution. The mound is usually covered in vegetation, and a pump chamber and control panel are installed nearby.

How Do You Landscape A Septic Mound: Final Thoughts

If you have decided that you want to make your property more aesthetically pleasing by landscaping your septic mound, make sure you only use plants with shallow roots to avoid damaging septic pipes.