Planting over a septic system

Listen to this extended radio story about planting over a septic system (MP3 audio download)

Planting the area over your septic drain field probably isn't at the top of your landscaping to-do list, but maybe it should be. The right plants (like echinacea, pictured here) can help prevent erosion and expel liquid and nutrients from the soil, allowing the septic system to function more efficiently. Listen to today's program to find out which plants are best, and which to avoid.

Radio interview source: Dr. Susan Day, urban foresty expert, Virginia Tech

Learn more about planting over your septic system:

Planting on your septic drain field: Learn which shallow-rooted plants are best for removing moisture from the soil and preventing erosion over a septic field.

Landscaping septic systems: This guide explains where to plant on and around mound septic systems, and offers a list of preferred native plants and grasses.

Landscaping your drain field: Browse this list of plants suitable for planting on a mound or standard drain field, broken down by the amount of sunlight the area receives.