Northern Red Oak Tree

[bigtiller]

I would like to plant a shade tree on the west side of the house but the septic tank and three 100' laterals are there also.

How far away from the laterals should I be so that the roots don't grow onto the tile and plug it up?

 

[Ken]

I've been told by a tank installer he figures 8 feet wider than the tree will grow in time.
Just had my tank cleaned and have a bush about 10 foot tall and 20 feet from tank and the roots covered one side.
ken

 

[fishheadbob]

The septic tank and laterals have squatters rights. I would not get anywhere near them because sometime in the life of this oak or any other tree the roots are going to go after the water causing bad, expensive, and smelly problems. Septic systems can cause enough problems without any help.

 

[rekees4300]

The septic tank and laterals have squatters rights. I would not get anywhere near them because sometime in the life of this oak or any other tree the roots are going to go after the water causing bad, expensive, and smelly problems. Septic systems can cause enough problems without any help.

Agreed. From article: "the roots of a mature oak tree can fan out as much as 90 or more feet from its base"

How Far to Plant an Oak Tree From a Septic Drain Field? | Home Guides | SF Gate

 

[bigtiller]

Thanks for the link, it was an interesting read. It looks like this project is a no-go and I better think about cutting down one that is 45' away from the end.

It will look better in front of the house anyway.

 

[oosik]

Fishheadbob - that's the answer that is best. Nobody needs to get a large tree/bush tangled up with their septic system. Any tree will also have a negative impact on location of a replacement drain field - if its ever necessary. Trees/bushes - NO Grass of most all types - YES.

 

[Oldoak]

Thanks for the link, it was an interesting read. It looks like this project is a no-go and I better think about cutting down one that is 45' away from the end.

It will look better in front of the house anyway.

I wouldn't rush to cut that Red Oak down. I have a Red Oak growing between the laterals of my septic drain field. Started growing there as a sapling. Fortythree years later and 40 feet tall and no problems in the laterals.

I wasn't going to respond until I read your latest comment. Just was snickering at all the nay sayers.

 

[Oaktree]

I wouldn't rush to cut that Red Oak down. I have a Red Oak growing between the laterals of my septic drain field. Started growing there as a sapling. Fortythree years later and 40 feet tall and no problems in the laterals.

Agreed. Keep in mind that oaks are rather slow growing trees. If it's 45' away from your leachfield, chances are you'll be long gone before it becomes a problem. We oaks gotta stick together!! :laughing:

 

[Oldoak]

Agreed. Keep in mind that oaks are rather slow growing trees. If it's 45' away from your leachfield, chances are you'll be long gone before it becomes a problem. We oaks gotta stick together!! :laughing:

:thumbsup:

 

[Groo]

my old place has a crack in the sewer pipe right under the middle of the house. The nearest tree doesn't have any branches close to over the house. Still have to clear out tree roots from time to time.

 

[bigtiller]

Agreed. Keep in mind that oaks are rather slow growing trees. If it's 45' away from your leachfield, chances are you'll be long gone before it becomes a problem. We oaks gotta stick together!! :laughing:

I have jokingly said for many years that, if I didn't live past the age of 83 I would be pi$$ed off. So, you may have a point because when I planted the trees around here I was thinking how much my future grand kids would enjoy them.

45' away gives me plenty of time to mull it over.

 

[bigtiller]

updated news on one of the existing oak trees. I decided to cut one down but it was too windy for me to fell it against the wind so I got out the pole saw.



Then chipped the branch tops.



A few minutes later, all that's left is firewood.



I drilled eight 3/4" holes about 5" deep in the 6" wide stump, filled the holes with some 10-10-10 garden fertilizer and put an extra inch sprinkled over the top and covered the stump with a 5 gallon bucket of soil from the corn field.

I hope the stump will disintegrate on it's own in a few years.