No one said that septic tanks in Loudoun County VA were pretty – that raised rectangle is pretty noticeable – but it is also part of your yard’s landscape. And that landscape could be awesome if it weren’t for that unsightly septic tank. So how can you hide tanks in Loudoun County VA, or make them less noticeable?
Turn it into part of the landscape instead of an eye sore. A septic system can be camouflaged by planting a “screen” of greenery in front of it, or blended onto it. You also camouflage the area by adding soil to change the shape; just add soil to the side of the mound, but keep the existing height. Soil on the sides will extend and change the shape of the septic mound into something more natural looking. If you have a large enough yard, place a planting bed in front and screen the system with small trees, shrubs, and plants.
If the area is on the small side, you can turn the septic tank system into a planting bed. Plant Bee Balm (Monarda), Daylily, Little Bluestem Grass, Butterfly Weed, Fescue Grass, Prairie Dropseed Grass, Coneflower, Liatris (Blazing Star), and Liatris (Blazing Star) Sedum.
A few things to remember:
- Avoid disturbing the soil over the septic system as much as possible and definitely do not till.
- When planting on or near the septic system, use plants that do not require much water. This will prevent the roots from searching out water and interfering with the system.
- Do not plant trees or shrubs on the system. Trees should be planted a minimum of 20 feet away. Trees that are known for searching out water like poplar, maple, willow, or elm should be placed a minimum of 50 feet away. Shrubs can be placed next to the system.
- Avoid irrigating or fertilizing the plants on or near the system. It is best to use low maintenance and drought tolerant plants directly on or around the mound or drainage fields.
- Never drive a vehicle or equipment over the system. Also, avoid any disturbance during winter.
For more information about septic tanks in Loudoun County VA, please contact SES. Based in Warrenton, Virginia, SES has provided expert septic system inspections, service, maintenance and repairs to Northern Virginia systems since 1987.