Dwarf conifers & leech field

[MarineWife]

Should we plant dwarf conifers on top of our leech field?

 

[Meadowlark]

If it were me, I would not do so. Dwarf Conifers tend to have deeper roots than other shallow-rooted plants according to my research.

Roots naturally seek out moisture, and a leach field offers it continuously. The risk of the roots invading perforated pipes is high resulting in clogged and/or damaged drainage systems with expensive consequences.

 

[Sheal]

The risk of the roots invading perforated pipes is high resulting in clogged and/or damaged drainage systems with expensive consequences.

I agree Meadowlark. I was in that situation with a neighbour's conifers some years ago and was able to claim on insurance for the four figure bill. I wouldn't plant any of the conifer family withing 50ft of a property or its utility services.

 

[Oliver Buckle]

Leech/ leach had me puzzled for a bit, but yes, I reckon the advice is good, nothing too deep rooted.

 

[MarineWife]

Well heck THANK YOU

 

[cpp gardener]

Even the dwarf ones that only get 4-6’ high and/or wide?

 

[Sheal]

Most conifers are shallow rooted but spread them far and wide in search of water/nutrients. Even as Meadowlark said, dwarf conifers go a little deeper, it's not worth the risk of damage.

 

[Martin Mikulcik]

A dwarf conifer won't destroy your leech field. It will destroy a tiny portion of it. Generally a bad thing but if you really want to, you can always kill it and the roots will rot eventually and the field will work again. I have seen this happen with far more aggressive trees, willows clog the pores, septic backs up and flow is reduced, kill the willow, flow gradually increases

If i were planting on my leech field I'd probably do annuals or shrubs that can't take it wet, blueberries maybe