Septic field/tank and palms. How close, how far?

[PalmWarbler]

Anyone have any experience planting palms near a septic tank or field and if so do you have any input good/bad?

[mnorell]

We live on an island with hundreds of thousands of palms, native and exotic, and with septic-tanks and drainfields in every yard. Needless to say, everything thrives! In the words of Erma Bombeck, "The Grass Is Always Greener over the Septic Tank"!

[PalmWarbler]

Any problems with invasive roots into the field/tank though?

[empireo22]

yes they can get in there and potentially clog things up. but they aren't as bad as large trees such as ficus spp. or oaks. that can get into the septic and expand which then they could potentially break the concrete or even raise the lid. you don't want to plant any palms or trees on the septic or its field. and any septic guy won't recommend planting on or near it they always recommend grass. also i have even seen BOP roots break loose brick pavers that were set in mortar on concrete. do you live in a rural area?

[edbrown_III]

I think I did a few plants in being too close to the discharge of it --- not in the leach field but in near the distribution box where it feeds the leach field --- maybe too mcuh bleach etc but I had an Allagoptera going great guns then it suddenly died --- it was the only thing I could figure --- I personally wouldnt put anything in a a leach field as this will speed up the failure of it --- (the leach field) then you have to re dig put new rock and pipe in -- as well as dig up the palms --- its a bit short sighted in my view ---- though I could see how one would want to make use of the nutrients and water .

Best regards

Ed