When it comes to your septic tank, you want to make sure that you have easy access to it so you can do maintenance. But that doesn’t mean you should have to hide the septic tank risers that allow you to do this.
The good news is that there are several ways you can conceal your septic tank risers without upsetting its functionality. You just need to get creative!
Plant Grass or Shrubs
If you have a septic system in your yard, it can be difficult to hide the unsightly risers that are part of the drain field. However, it is possible to do so without ruining the aesthetics of your yard and leaving a blemish behind.
Planting grass or shrubs over the drain field can be a great idea because it provides a more natural environment. It will also help prevent excess rainwater from forming in the area and causing drainage problems.
It is important to note, however, that certain types of plants can cause issues with septic systems, so you should be careful when choosing what to plant near your septic tank. For example, nutrient-absorbing vegetables should not be planted too close to the septic drain field.
Shrubs such as azalea shrubs, holly shrubs and dogwood trees are all good options for hiding septic risers. These are low-maintenance and drought-tolerant.
These shrubs can be used in combination with wildflowers and grasses to create an attractive garden. They should be at least 10 feet away from the septic riser to ensure they are not causing any damage.
Trees and shrubs with aggressive root systems should be kept at least 15 feet from the septic tank, while less-aggressive options can be placed closer to 20 feet. Keep in mind that any trees or shrubs that are grown too close to your septic drain field may not survive their full life span and could result in expensive damage.
If you do decide to plant grass over the septic drain field, be sure to select grasses that are water-loving and don’t cause any problems with drainage. Overwatering can cause your soil to compact and clog the drain field, which will eventually result in a backed up septic system.
Another tip is to avoid planting any heavy architectural features, such as retaining walls, stone pathways or fire pits over the septic drain field. These will not only block the evaporation of water, but they can also cause pressure that can damage your septic tank.
The best solution is to stick with low-maintenance and septic-safe perennials and grasses, as these will provide a beautiful, natural landscape without damaging your septic tank or drain field. You can also add a layer of mulch over the area to improve the appearance of your garden and help keep weeds down.
Plant Wildflowers
One of the best ways to hide septic tank risers is to plant wildflowers. This will not only hide the septic tank but also add color and texture to the surrounding landscape.
You can either plant the plants in a raised bed or create a large meadow in your yard. This will make it easier to control the area and keep weeds at bay.
Several species of wildflowers are hardy enough to grow in your garden. Some are even able to tolerate dry conditions.
If you are looking for flowers that will bloom throughout the spring and summer, consider California poppies. These colorful flowers are known for bringing a riot of color to your garden and are easy to grow in most areas.
Another popular choice is Yarrow, which has clustered flowers in a variety of colors. This perennial is also drought tolerant, so it can be a great addition to your garden.
It is also an excellent source of nutrients, especially calcium and potassium. It grows well in a variety of soils and has deep roots that help to mine these nutrients for your plant.
Before planting, remove any weeds and unwanted vegetation from the soil. This will allow your new wildflowers to thrive without having any competition from weeds.
Once the area has been prepared, seed it using a rototiller or a hand-held spreader. Be sure to mix the seeds with sand or perlite before broadcasting so that you can achieve uniform application.
After seeding, apply a light mulch of straw or pine needles to conserve soil moisture and protect the young seedlings. Water the area as needed to promote germination and development.
You can plant many types of wildflowers, including woodland and meadow species. Check the planting requirements of each species and choose the ones that will perform best in your desired area.
Some invasive wildflowers are a nuisance and can clog drainage systems, so you should be careful when choosing the species for your septic tank area. You should also consider the type of soil and how much sun it gets. If the soil is sandy, consider using a compost mulch or organic fertilizer to enhance the soil’s fertility.
Use Landscape Rocks or Bird Baths
Your septic tank risers are a necessary and highly functional part of your home’s plumbing system, but they can also be a bit of a eyesore. That’s why it’s important to use the right landscaping tips to conceal the appearance of your riser without compromising its functionality.
Using landscape rocks or bird baths is a simple way to hide your septic tank riser while still enhancing the look of your yard. It’s also a much safer option than applying permanent features, such as grass or topsoil, that can be damaged by freezing or compacting over time.
You can choose from a range of hollow landscape rocks, birth tubs, attractive garden elements and lightweight statues to create a garden-friendly appearance for your septic area. Regardless of the design, be sure to apply basic landscaping principles, including grouping these items together instead of placing them alone.
The light weight of these lawn ornaments makes them easy to move and take out for maintenance. You can even put them in mobile rock gardens, which can be shifted to cover the entire area or just a portion of it as needed.
Another option is to paint the cover in a color that blends well with the rest of your lawn. This is a simple, quick solution that can be easily implemented and will not disrupt your septic tank or interfere with any future maintenance or repairs.
If you want a more permanent solution, consider installing fake rocks. These are a popular option for hiding septic tank risers because they’re lightweight and won’t put pressure on your tank or cause it to become damaged.
In addition, these fake rocks will be a low-profile addition to your landscape and will not block sight lines from nearby plants or shrubs. They’re available in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can pick the one that best fits your needs.
If you don’t want a fake rock, you can use an old wine barrel or other container that you can fill with flowers and turn upside down to replace the lid. This is a temporary disguise that will make it harder for people to see the septic tank, and you can also cut the barrel in half and paint it so that it matches the rest of your landscaping.
Paint the Cover
The septic tank riser is an essential part of a home’s septic system. It helps prevent groundwater from entering the tank, and it provides a way to access the septic tank without digging. It’s also a convenient place to inspect the tank when it’s full or empty, which is an important factor in ensuring that the septic system works properly.
Septic tank risers are usually located at the inlet and outlet ends of the septic tank. This makes it easy to place septic additives or check the tank’s fill level.
Despite their utilitarian purpose, septic tank risers are often unsightly and unappealing to most landowners. This is why many homeowners turn to landscaping techniques that conceal them while still providing the necessary functionality of the septic tank.
One of the most common methods is to plant bushes or shrubs around the septic tank riser to cover it and make it look like part of the surrounding landscape. However, it’s crucial to keep in mind that bushes and trees can interfere with the drain field and cause problems. They have strong roots that may get stuck in the risers and damage them.
Another option is to paint the cover of your septic tank riser in an attractive color that blends in with the rest of your landscape. This can be done in a matter of minutes and it’s a simple solution to improving the appearance of your septic system.
When you paint your septic tank riser, be sure to choose a reputable company that offers a high-quality product. Some companies use a low-quality product that can cause leaks and other issues.
Painting your septic tank riser can be done in a variety of colors and styles, so you can find one that will suit the style of your landscape. You can also choose a design that will blend in with the other elements of your property, such as a fence or a deck.
When it comes to decorating or hiding your septic tank riser, be careful not to get too creative. Having too many decorative items around your septic tank can interfere with the drain field’s functionality and cause a number of problems, including ruptured pipes. If you’re not sure what to do, contact your service technician for guidance.
