Trees planted over septic tank

NorthernGail

I've just bought a new house in Ontario, Canada. Many years ago the previous owners planted trees right over the septic tank. It's mid-winter here. We've cut down the trees (various yews and junipers), but they were quite big and the trunks are about 6-8" across. The whole area looked like a big overgrown bird's nest and we were shocked to learn that the septic tank is right in the middle of the area. We're hoping to take a small backhoe to the area and dig out the roots in the spring. For some reason the people put several feet of dirt over the septic tank and planted these trees. We'd like to take the dirt down to a normal level. Do you think pulling out the roots will damage the cement septic tank? They didn't plant trees where the weeping bed is situated. Thank you for your help. I don't seem to be able to find my way around your site very well. Is it possible for someone to e-mail a reply to me? I hope you know what a septic tank is. Thanks again, Gail

Brent Ferris

I don't think the excess dirt, or the trees or the roots would affect the cement septic tank. They probably put the extra dirt there so trees could grow, and since most root systems -- especially of Junipers and Yews -- are fairly shallow, ie 6-18 inches deep, the roots wouldn't likely ever reach the septic tank or the septic bed. If it is clay soil, the roots are probably in the top 6 inches.
I am guessing the trees provided a screen or a windbreak or perhaps provided cover for wildlife.
There is no real need to remove the dirt or the roots. They may also have believed the extra dirt would provide more insulation for the tank, and bacterial action could carry on unabated despite cold winters.
In fact, the only real problem I can see with their solution would be access to the tank for periodic pumping out of the muck. The backhoe probably won't create a problem, unless he breaks thru the lid. Properly poured cement is fairly resistant to moisture and soil and would not likely have broken down by this treatment. If the cement was not properly mixed, initially (ie a home job) this could be a problem -- I think this scenario fairly unlikely.
A better question is, does the septic bed work properly now? Or has your area been connected to sewers for some time, and the tank and bed were left in -- partly because it was too expensive to remove, and partly because it could always act as a backup system.

You say you are in Uxbridge -- are you on the island, or up on the mainland?

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Brent Ferris

Northern Gall - sorry about the reference to the island -- I was thinking of Port Perry, vs Uxbridge. The rest of the comments still apply.

__________________
My business: Tree Pruning and Removals -- Strump Removals -- Advice -- Consulting -- Arborist Reports
If you want an honest opinion, call Brent Ferris...because, Trees want to Live Too !
We do great jobs, even in small yards.

Free Estimates Oakville to Oshawa - North to Bradford (Will travel further if cost of travelling covered)