Septic leech field... built around existing tree

[servion]

Thanks everyone for the help, I really appreciate all the good information!!! You're right, I didn't even realize there was another tree so close as I was fixated on the one in the middle of the field, looks like I need to chop them both. So based on what I'm reading here, I'll cut it down as close to the ground level a possible. The area does have an HOA that doesn't like cutting without approval, but I don't expect to get grief for wanting to cut these, they've been very reasonable so far.

It seems silly to me that the built around it... I was thinking either they really knew something I don't, or they're totally screwing up/being cheap/lazy... either case, it makes sense to remove it, and as long as hasn't damaged anything already, I'll just chop it. I'm hoping/thinking that it hasn't damaged anything yet as the leech field hasn't been there very long (1 year).

Regarding what to do with the stump... any more details? Do you mean roundup the weed killer? How does the charcoal work? 2,4-d? Or just leave it and keep an eye in case any sprouts come up?

 

[smstonypoint]

Regarding what to do with the stump... any more details? Do you mean roundup the weed killer? How does the charcoal work? 2,4-d? Or just leave it and keep an eye in case any sprouts come up?

There may be some pine species that will regenerate from the stump, but most will be killed if you cut them below the lowest living limbs. If yours is one of the few species that does regenerate, you could notch the stump with a hatchet and spray with 41% glyphosate (generic Roundup herbicide).

Steve

 

[Pilot]

HOA: I've had problems with tree huggers, so I would avoid potential problems by spraying the 2 trees with 2,4-d (pines are easily killed with it), then after they die talk to the HOA.

 

[Dingeryote]

Servion,

The charcoal works by burning the stump sub flush, saving you the time and effort of digging it up, as well as not disturbing the anaerobic critters that have become comfy around the field.
Respect the terd eating bacteria. They are your friends. LOL!!

Cut flush and burned, means you wont need to spray anything as well.
Glyphosate and 2-4-D works well for killing stumps, but then ya have a stump to deal with.

Can't help you with the HOA bidness. But I would guess that somewhere in the agreement, is a requirement to maintain your property, and it's sanitation system in working order.

 

[TomSeller]

Better hurry up before someone at the county looks up some obscure code that says if the tree was there before the septic field, it is grandfathered in and you have to keep it. Better to act stupid than to ask permission?

 

[WayneB]

We have a few rules when it comes to septic systems. Never talk to anyone about the septic work and do things early in the morning or late in the day. At our summer home / camp we always plan septic, tree trimming, water front work for early spring or late fall task. Now with your tree it would be cut down cut up and gone tonight!

 

[clemsonfor]

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!

Just cut it down, its a pine species so it will die once cut. No big deal as small as it is you can use a hand saw.

 

[clemsonfor]

I would not plant anything edible near a leach field. I don't know what starts the whole mad cow thing or the problems with the hogs, but i don't eat where i poop, so why grow it there. I think its a legitimate risk for disease.

Do you really how much animal poop is used for fertilizer?

As long as it isn't dumped on the plants, it'll be fine. Coming up through the root system is completing different than having it on the veggies themselves.

heheh ya that or some Willows right...

Not sure of the Copper Sulfate (definitely NO on flushing it) but adding a Nylon Stocking full hung into the diverter box could be OK so anytime a rush of water is sent out it gets a dab of Copper Sulfate.

That LAST PIC on page 1 shows a pine on the left of the field it also should be taken out as looks maybe 8'~10' away at most. like others said. cut it flush to ground level, drill a few holes fill with used oil/diesel & pour on some charcoal & burn it...

Mark

Also anything the plants would take up would be filtered by the soil then the roots will take up nutrients and water. So like was said as long as your not spraying liquid waste over your plants your fine.

 

[clemsonfor]

Your in the "country" but have HOA's?? You must be in one of those Green type developments were everyone has 1-5 acre lots or something but due to the HOA's its basically a suburban subdivision.

 

[dave1949]

We have a few rules when it comes to septic systems. Never talk to anyone about the septic work and do things early in the morning or late in the day. At our summer home / camp we always plan septic, tree trimming, water front work for early spring or late fall task. Now with your tree it would be cut down cut up and gone tonight!

It's the ice fishermen, they cut trees and burn old camps :laughing: