Septic leech field... built around existing tree

   / Septic leech field... built around existing tree #1  

servion

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Apr 23, 2013
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Location
Peyton, CO
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My wife and I just closed on a house out in Peyton, CO about 6 weeks ago. Its our first time living out of town and we're new to all this septic/well/etc situation. LOVING living out of the city, hoping someone here can educate us a bit. I have been reading about septic systems, and I'm reading that you should not put trees on or near the leech field because the roots can grow and destroy the pipes, etc.

Well, our new house (it is new and was finished 6 months ago, the septic system was finished a year ago) had the leech field dug AROUND an existing tree. I've included pictures of the tree and of the leech field. We didn't know that this could be an issue until after closing, and we're wonder what we need to do. I found pictures of the leech field being dug on the builder's website, and it clearly shows that the tree was there when they built the leech field. I'm not sure what type of tree it is, we're near the black forest in Peyton/Colorado Springs, CO, and I "think" its a ponderosa pine, but I'm not sure on that (maybe someone here can tell me?). Its approximately 6' tall and the trunk at the ground level is ~4" in diameter.

What I'm wondering is, do I need to cut down/dig up this tree? And if so, can that be done with the field in place without damaging it? Or do I leave it and let it grow? Is the leech pit "over the tree" roots and therefore not an issue, or did the builder of the leech field screw up by leaving the tree there when building the field? My septic paperwork shows that the "units" are between 18" and 12" deep throughout the field.

Any info would be greatly appreciated!
 

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   / Septic leech field... built around existing tree #2  
It should have been removed when the lines were put in. It will cause problems later.
 
   / Septic leech field... built around existing tree #3  
double post
 
   / Septic leech field... built around existing tree #4  
That tree is so small you can justcut it at grade level. just get rid of it now. no need to pull the whole ball out
 
   / Septic leech field... built around existing tree #5  
Get it outta there.

That little booger will have roots clogging the drain field within 5 years if given a chance.
Just flush cut the thing, dig a hole around the stump to make a bowl, drop in some charcoal, and burn it sub flush. Done.

Some top soil and grass, is all you want over any drain field.

Congrats on the new hooch away from the insanity!
 
   / Septic leech field... built around existing tree #6  
I agree with removing the tree but leaving the root ball in the ground. If the stump is killed, the roots will rot away slowly, which is just what you want.

I would cut it off as close to flush as you can and the paint it with roundup within a few minutes of making the cut. This will kill the stump and the roots. and that is all you need.

If it sends up shoots, get out the pruning lopper and cut them off until the stump is dead.
 
   / Septic leech field... built around existing tree #7  
Just cut it flush. If it sprouts, 2,4-d will kill it.

Yes, it looks like a ponderosa--scrawny, tho.
 
   / Septic leech field... built around existing tree #8  
I don't know about the pine species in the West, but those in my neck of the woods (Virginia, shortleaf, loblolly) will not sprout if you cut them off below the lowest living limb.

Steve
 
   / Septic leech field... built around existing tree #9  
...Well, our new house (it is new and was finished 6 months ago, the septic system was finished a year ago) had the leech field dug AROUND an existing tree.

Pretty odd that it would pass finals with a tree in the middle of it all??? Is there an easement or tree removal/visuals/HOA involved in keeping it????
 
   / Septic leech field... built around existing tree #10  
25-30 years back when our lake switched over to proper tanks/fields the environment guys suggested that we could plant any shallow rooted plants including flower beds.
Rhubarb, lettuce and most flowers will thrive over a field and greatly help the field perform.
Saves need to water the flowers as well.
For sure trees are a no-no.
When the inspectors verify for conformity they look for a nice flat area that is greener than surrounding vegetation carved out of the forest.
Evolution now has it that we pump mandatory every 2 years. (4 for seasonal dwellings)
My property being forested requires me to frequently pull cedar saplings from my field otherwise I get the healthiest trees to make hedges.
Maybe I should start a sideline, 'hedge cedars for sale' LOL.
 

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