I have a mound POWTS and I want to landscape it. Can I plant trees and shrubs on or around it?

If you want to put plantings on or near your POWTS, you should plant a species of plant that has a herbaceous root system. 

You should not plant a species of plant that has a woody root system very close to or on top of the absorption field. The roots from this plant group tend to grow or migrate in the direction of a moisture source. They will work their way into the piping network. Once inside, the roots will begin to clog the piping. Given sufficient time, they will cause a system failure. 

The alternative to a woody root plant species could be flowers or wildflower seeding.

Show All Answers

1. When do I need a sanitary permit for a POWTS?
2. How do I get a sanitary permit?
3. My septic system is not working anymore. How do I get it replaced with another septic system that works?
4. Does it matter if I do all my laundry in one day?
5. How long are soil tests (perk tests) for Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (POWTS) good for?
6. Why do I need a sanitary permit?
7. How long is a sanitary permit good for?
8. I have heard of County sanitary permits – When are these issued?
9. Do mound systems really work?
10. Can anybody install a Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (POWTS)?
11. Can I have a food waste grinder installed in my home even though I have a POWTS?
12. How often should I pump my treatment tank(s)?
13. Are two-chamber or multi-chamber septic tanks better for your POWTS than single chamber tanks?
14. Does having a two-chamber septic tank help to reduce the maintenance frequency of my effluent filter?
15. How often do I have to service the effluent filter in my septic tank?
16. Is there financial assistance available for property owners whose POWTS has failed and needs to be replaced?
17. I see advertisements that say “if I buy this product I can reduce the pumping cost for my septic tank.” Does this really help?
18. How are Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (POWTS) sized?
19. I want to get a zoning permit for my building addition, so why can’t I use the private onsite wastewater treatment system evaluation that was done when I purchased the home?
20. I have a mound POWTS and I want to landscape it. Can I plant trees and shrubs on or around it?