If you’re a Colorado homeowner with a septic system, you might wonder what you can safely plant over your leach field.
At Elizabeth Septic, we’ve assisted many local homeowners in protecting their systems with smart landscaping.
Choosing the right plants not only shields your septic system but also improves your yard’s appearance and supports Colorado’s ecology.
However, be cautious: planting the wrong species can cause root damage, clog pipes, and result in expensive repairs.
🌀 What Is a Leach Field and Why Plant Over It?
Your leach field (also called a drain field) is where wastewater from your septic tank filters through layers of soil. It’s a critical part of your septic system, and landscaping it properly comes with key benefits:
- Prevents soil erosion
- Improves drainage and evaporation
- Keeps soil aerated and healthy
- Helps your system blend into your landscape naturally
But here’s the catch: deep-rooted or water-hungry plants can damage pipes and reduce your system’s efficiency.
💡 Curious about how septic systems function? Stay tuned for our Homeowner’s Septic Care Guide — coming soon from Elizabeth Septic Colorado!
✅ Safe Landscaping Over a Septic System in Colorado
Planting over a septic drain field in Colorado requires working with our dry climate, high elevations, and variable moisture levels. You’ll want to stick with shallow-rooted, drought-tolerant, and non-invasive plants that won’t harm your system.
Here’s what we recommend.
🌾 Best Grasses for Septic Leach Fields
These low-maintenance grasses are septic-safe and thrive in Colorado’s conditions:
- Buffalograss – Native, drought-tolerant, and nearly no-mow
- Blue Grama – A warm-season native that thrives in sun and poor soil
- Low-Water Native Lawn Blends – Available from local seed suppliers like Western Native Seed
🌱 Pro Tip: Avoid turfgrass types that need frequent watering or have deep root systems — they’re not safe for septic landscaping.
🌸 Shallow-Rooted Perennials & Groundcovers
Photo by Diana ✨: https://www.pexels.com/photo/selective-focus-photography-of-white-and-yellow-flowers-2127521/
These septic-safe plants for Colorado add color and pollinator value without harming your system:
- Yarrow
- Creeping Thyme
- Sedum (Stonecrop)
- Coneflower (Echinacea)
- Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum)
Looking for more inspiration? Explore low-water native plants from Colorado State University.
🌼 Native Wildflowers (Safe for Drain Fields)
Photo by Jordan Benton: https://www.pexels.com/photo/flowers-in-shallow-photography-1224205/
These native wildflowers thrive in Colorado and are perfect for landscaping over a septic system:
- Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
- Blanketflower (Gaillardia aristata)
- Rocky Mountain Penstemon (Penstemon strictus)
🚫 What Not to Plant Over Your Septic Drain Field
Some plants can cause major damage to your drain field. Here’s what to skip:
❌ Trees & Shrubs with Aggressive Roots
Avoid planting trees or shrubs anywhere near your septic system. Their deep roots can infiltrate pipes and damage your septic system, including your leach field. Common culprits include:
- Aspen
- Cottonwood
- Willow
- Russian Olive
- Elm
- Maple
These often top the list of septic system landscaping mistakes.
❌ Food Gardens (Health Hazard)
Can I grow vegetables over a septic system? No, even root crops and herbs are unsafe. The soil above your drain field may contain bacteria or pathogens from wastewater.
❌ Invasive or Aggressive Groundcovers
Avoid anything that spreads quickly, has thirsty roots, or requires heavy maintenance:
- Bamboo
- Mint
- English Ivy
- Periwinkle
🛠️ Landscaping Tips to Protect Your Septic System
Here are some expert tips from Elizabeth Septic to ensure your landscaping is both beautiful and septic-safe:
- Use hand tools only (no deep digging or machinery).
- Stick with shallow root systems (under 6 inches).
- Avoid mulch that retains excessive moisture.
- Never install irrigation systems over the drain field.
- Keep off heavy foot or vehicle traffic.
- Avoid placing patios, sheds, or play structures on top of the leach area.
👍 Remember: Landscaping over a septic system isn’t just possible — it’s encouraged when done right.
🧡 Your Septic System Deserves a Little Love
Your septic system quietly protects your home and environment every day. With a bit of above-ground care, you can extend its life, reduce maintenance, and harmonize your landscaping with your property’s needs.
📥 Free Resource: Colorado Septic-Safe Plant List (PDF)
Need a quick reference?
👉 Download Our Free Plant List
This easy-to-use PDF features grasses, perennials, and wildflowers that are ideal for Colorado’s climate and safe for use with any septic drain field.
It’s a quick win from the team at Elizabeth Septic Colorado — your trusted partner in septic system care.
🌎 Landscaping in Harmony with the Land
Planting over your septic system isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about living in tune with Colorado’s land, climate, and ecology. With thoughtful choices, you can build a landscape that’s beautiful, low-maintenance, and fully compatible with your septic system.
👋 Need Personalized Help?
Not sure what to plant based on your elevation, soil type, or septic layout?
📞 Call Elizabeth Septic at 303-919-0923
📍 Serving homeowners throughout the Front Range
📧 Or Contact Us Here
We’re happy to offer expert advice and help you create a septic-safe landscape you’ll love.