Mow septic field or not

[kkirt1]

I built a home last year with a drip irrigation septic system. The soil is thick clay and the installer says he buried the drip lines at about 18" The maintenance company says it would be a good idea to cut it so that the soil can breath but cautioned about using a heavy mower for fear of compacting the soil. The field is about 50 yards from the house and it is way overgrown. I would like to keep it mowed.

My mower, a Ferris 2500 weighs 1,600 lbs. The JD 4105 weighs 3,000lb plus the 6' Land Pride Rotary cutter. I have a smaller Craftsmen mower but no way will it get through the amount of growth. It would probably take the 4105 to knock it down then I could maintain it with the zero turn mower.

Any thoughts?

 

[Dingeryote]

Get after it with a Brush saw or really heavy trimmer like the Stihl FS250, so you can get in there with the mower maybe?

18" is kind of shallow, and he's right about compacting the clay, but don't folks support the intruders with gravel down there?
Reason I'm asking, is clay will compact from it's own dadgum weight after a bit.

 

[Midniteoyl]

It should be gravel covered in dirt.

I mow mine with a Gizmow zero turn.. no idea what it weighs, but it broke a pair of 1250 lbs ramps immediately

 

[daveshoot]

I wouldn't hesitate to cut it, and compaction in clay is about the least of your concerns (unless saturated, which it should not be). Drip line is flexible by design although I wonder what exactly is meant by that (diameter?). Leach fields are designed to leak, anyway.

If it's growing that thick, it may not have very good drainage to begin with, and some sun will dry it out.

 

[Nooodles]

It should be gravel covered in dirt.

I mow mine..

yeah. I know our potty field is gravel covered over with dirt. ou can drive a dump truck over it.

 

[kkirt1]

The water table is high and although I wasn't here when the installed it I think they trenched in 3/4" drip line by pulling it similar to sprinkler system line - no gravel.

 

[Nooodles]

ok so you have about 700 pounds per wheel going over it with the john deere for one mowing. I don't see a big deal. after that you will maintain with the smaller mower. however, your gonna have a bunch of worry warts on here saying "NO!!!! don't do it!" its only one time and not every week

 

[Western]

I'd mow it, then keep up with it so you dont have to go through this again. For peace of mind you might throw the question at the original installer and get his opinion, it may be less of an issue since it's been a year??

 

[MacLawn]

Cut that mess. Keep it cut like a lawn, done.

 

[paulharvey]

18" is a good bit of cover, you'll be fine.