Knowledgebase

sewer friendly trees #449735

Asked April 26, 2018, 12:39 AM EDT

When our house was built 3 years ago a red blaze maple tree was planted by the builder in our front yard almost directly over our sewer line. The tree has died and we would like to replace it with a different tree. What kind of tree is less likely to  too have roots that will get into our sewer pipe from the house to the street?

Lyon County Nevada

Expert Response

Unfortunately, If you do not have a large front yard any tree you plant has the potential to cause damage to sewer lines. The trees we primarily grow in our area, all grow roots in the top 12 to maybe 24 inches of soil and spread laterally. When the roots grow over and under the lines, initially there is no problem unless the line is leaking. If the line is leaking any plant may it be a tree shrub or even perennials will have a burst of feeder roots with the fertile nutrients leaching out.

If the pipe is in good condition it is possible that eventually there will be problems as the roots of the tree that have grown over and under the pipe will increase in diameter. Over years and years of growth they will put pressure on the pipe that may cause a crack. Then you will have the clogged pipes as the roots rapidly grow with the nutrients and moisture.

I have attached an information sheet about planting near Leach Fields which is different, but could provide some information. I would suggest just staying away from trees that are known to be aggressive in their root system nature or very water hungry. Examples to stay away from would be: Willow, Silver Maple, Elm, Cottonwood, Black Locust, Purple Robe Locust, Birch, Mulberry.

If you want it invest some time, you can also place a root barrier around the septic line to prevent the roots from growing near the line. This would require excavation of the pipe and then wrapping it with a chemically treated fabric or installing barrier plates on the side closest to the tree.

https://www.unce.unr.edu/publications/files/ho/2013/sp1309.pdf

https://www.unce.unr.edu/publications/files/ho/2007/fs0732.pdf

Wendy Hanson Mazet Replied April 26, 2018, 2:53 PM EDT

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