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Grass is the most popular and safest option for planting over a septic drain field, but you can also plant small flowering plants and other lightweight plants that don’t have woody or deep roots. Avoid trees and bushes within 10 feet of the field, as the woody roots can crack the perforated pipes. You should also avoid planting vegetable or fruit gardens over your drain field, as a leak from the pipes could contaminate the soil and put anyone who eats the produce at risk.

Unless it only rains once in a blue moon where you live, you’re going to want water-loving plants in your garden bed or pot. A few ideas for plants that aren’t super fast-growing (meaning they’re good in pots or near foundations) and can handle a lot of standing water include: 

• Acorus (Sweet flag)

• Colocasia esculenta (Taro or elephant ear): In many climates, these are annuals, making them less desirable because you need to adjust the chain again after each replant.

• Equisetum scirpoides (Dwarf horsetail rush): non-dwarf varieties of horsetail are fast growers and can take over quickly.

• Juncus effusus (Curly rush)

• Osmunda regalis (Royal fern): Royal fern can grow quickly but can also handle being crowded, making them good container plants.

Consulting your local university extension, Audubon society, or municipal urban forestry program are all good ideas when choosing a tree to plant. You can also ask an arborist or a knowledgeable landscaping company for advice on good trees to plant.

It’s usually best to buy plants from a local greenhouse or nursery yourself, but landscapers are also a reliable option. First, you can choose exactly what plants you want based on their appearance rather than relying on your landscaper to choose. Additionally, while it’s more time-consuming to go buy the plants yourself, you’ll often save money because landscapers charge for delivery and may upcharge the plants. You can also speak to a professional at a nursery to ensure you understand how to care for your plants and get the most long-term value.