A Gardeners Forum Forums Gardening Reference Gardening in 2006 Weeping willow close to septic field.

I have always heard that it is unwise to plant a weeping willow tree anywhere near a drainfield or water line as the roots will go seek the water and cause damage to the pipes and prevent the septic field from working properly. Does anyone have any up to date advice on this issue? I have a perfect place to plant a Weeping willow. It is always moist and the soil is quite good, but my Septic field is only thirty feet away and I dont want any problems. I was wondering if the use of PVC pipe may have stopped this from being an issue. Appreciate any input on this.

Budman from what I have been told you still don't plant a willow tree anywhere near a leaching field or any kind of water line. Also here they reccomend not near a house or other structure. But I remember an Uncle in New Mexico had one next to his house for over 50 years but this was not near his cistern or any water.

Thanks JV! I believe you are right about that. I know the tree would do well in that area, because the ground is really wet most of the year as it is a drainage area anyway. My drainfield sits uphill from there about 30 feet or so. I was just hoping that since the area was so wet, that the roots would not need to search out water. I just dont want to ruin a brand new $5,000.00 drainfield. I do appreciate your response. Take care..

I have met many willows in my limited time out here in the country and all of them have been to visit my well, my sump pump (yes, it IS inside the basement!) or my foundation. I can only guess that the latest soon to be victem is the neighbours some 100 feet away. I no longer doubt their lust for the easy way.

Yep, willows have an uncanny nack of finding water even inside plastic or pvc pipes. They can trash a septic field and or tank in just a few years!

Gee, that is funny. My dad has a willow about 15 feet in front of his house, 5 feet from the well and the septic pipes run about 5 feet away as well. He hasn't had any problems and it has been there more than 40 years.

Heidi, Wow! he is lucky! Is it planted right next to a larger source of water, like a pond?

No, no ponds... just near the well and septic lines.

Thank you all for your input on this topic. I guess it just goes to show that in Nature there is nothing set in stone. There is always an exception to the rule. I just think that I would be crazy to plant a Weeping willow knowing that there is a strong chance that it would damage or ruin my brand new Septic Field. There is just too much monies involved. Thanks all!!...