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Started By
Message
Will crepe myrtle roots damage pipes?
Posted on 5/20/18 at 10:07 am
Posted on 5/20/18 at 10:07 am
It’s a 30 gallon Natchez crepe myrtle.
Yes I know I’m probably an idiot for planting the tree here, but this is the only spot I wanted the tree to go and I’ll deal with it if it causes problems I guess unfortunately.
The people at the gas company and the tree nursery seem to be confident that the roots would not penetrate the gas and water pipes but it still kinda makes me wonder.
The blue line is the water line (I saw it in the hole when I was putting the 30 gallon tree into hole) and the yellow is where the gas line runs. The septic drainage line runs underground somewhere to the left of the yellow gas line.
Yes I know I’m probably an idiot for planting the tree here, but this is the only spot I wanted the tree to go and I’ll deal with it if it causes problems I guess unfortunately.
The people at the gas company and the tree nursery seem to be confident that the roots would not penetrate the gas and water pipes but it still kinda makes me wonder.
The blue line is the water line (I saw it in the hole when I was putting the 30 gallon tree into hole) and the yellow is where the gas line runs. The septic drainage line runs underground somewhere to the left of the yellow gas line.
This post was edited on 5/20/18 at 10:08 am
2
Posted on 5/20/18 at 10:17 am to Cow Drogo
I think you're good. Pipes and root problems are mostly in relation to old clay sewer pipes.
Speaking of sewer, when you say septic drain line I assume you aren't really on septic but are hooked to a municipality sewer system correct? Because a tree IS a problem for an actual septic system "fill" line.
Speaking of sewer, when you say septic drain line I assume you aren't really on septic but are hooked to a municipality sewer system correct? Because a tree IS a problem for an actual septic system "fill" line.
Posted on 5/20/18 at 10:19 am to Chuker
I’m really not sure what kind of system o have.
Just built the home 2 years ago. System is in ground behind home and I know they buried some sort of pipe in ground going to front.
This is what the system looks like in back yard?
Just built the home 2 years ago. System is in ground behind home and I know they buried some sort of pipe in ground going to front.
This is what the system looks like in back yard?
This post was edited on 5/20/18 at 10:24 am
Posted on 5/20/18 at 10:32 am to Cow Drogo
quote:
The people at the gas company and the tree nursery seem to be confident that the roots would not penetrate the gas and water pipes
I think this would be all the info I would need to proceed with planting the tree there.
Posted on 5/20/18 at 11:15 am to Cow Drogo
That looks like a septic system. From your first pic it looks like you live in a developed area so I assumed you were on a community/municipality sewer system.
If a septic line is out in front then it is probably a "fill" line and you generally don't want trees or anything but grass growing on top or near it. A fill line is just a perforated pipe surrounded by gravel to dissipate the water (effluent) that comes from the septic tanks. So if roots were to infiltrate this porous fill line then that is not a good thing. And roots love the moist, nutrient rich environment that is present down down a few feet below grade in a fill line.
If if were me then I wouldn't plant a tree like a crepe myrtle within 15ft at a minimum of my fill line. Sorry, I'm sure a 30gal myrtle wasn't cheap. But I'd do some further research to make sure it is actually a fill line and not something else. You may be able to call the plumber who did your work and ask him. Some counties also keep on record the layout of a particular septic system from when it was approved.
If a septic line is out in front then it is probably a "fill" line and you generally don't want trees or anything but grass growing on top or near it. A fill line is just a perforated pipe surrounded by gravel to dissipate the water (effluent) that comes from the septic tanks. So if roots were to infiltrate this porous fill line then that is not a good thing. And roots love the moist, nutrient rich environment that is present down down a few feet below grade in a fill line.
If if were me then I wouldn't plant a tree like a crepe myrtle within 15ft at a minimum of my fill line. Sorry, I'm sure a 30gal myrtle wasn't cheap. But I'd do some further research to make sure it is actually a fill line and not something else. You may be able to call the plumber who did your work and ask him. Some counties also keep on record the layout of a particular septic system from when it was approved.
Posted on 5/20/18 at 11:38 am to Chuker
quote:
If a septic line is out in front then it is probably a "fill" line and you generally don't want trees or anything but grass growing on top or near it. A fill line is just a perforated pipe surrounded by gravel to dissipate the water (effluent) that comes from the septic tanks. So if roots were to infiltrate this porous fill line then that is not a good thing. And roots love the moist, nutrient rich environment that is present down down a few feet below grade in a fill line.
If if were me then I wouldn't plant a tree like a crepe myrtle within 15ft at a minimum of my fill line. Sorry, I'm sure a 30gal myrtle wasn't cheap. But I'd do some further research to make sure it is actually a fill line and not something else. You may be able to call the plumber who did your work and ask him. Some counties also keep on record the layout of a particular septic system from when it was approved.
I can attest to this, just had the line redone completely last August at my place. Mine is the new triangular plastic Lego like pieces that are a foot tall and a foot wide instead of actual plastic perforated pipe (the old line was the perforated, looks like pvc with 1" holes drilled all along it but is actually a softer plastic. collapsed on itself pinching off all flow.)
My new is similar to this but more angular than rounded:
It's a "tent" over the ground not a pipe. there is no bottom except dirt. And this may be what you planted a tree next to.
Posted on 5/20/18 at 11:57 am to Sidicous
Leaching chambers are good chance what OP has. They are the way to go now in most instances. I'm not sure how they handle roots compared to perf pipe/gravel but I'd think they'd fair a bit better. However I still wouldn't plant a tree nearby.
Posted on 5/20/18 at 12:19 pm to Chuker
If I remember correctly, there is not a community sewer system in neighborhood. I remember the tank they buried in the back yard being line the size of a car.
The guy mentioned it would possibly have to be changed in like 15-30 years if full.
The guy mentioned it would possibly have to be changed in like 15-30 years if full.
Posted on 5/20/18 at 1:44 pm to Cow Drogo
Yeah you definitely have a septic tank and system. Only thing to do now is make certain fill line isn't too close to tree.
You must of misunderstood him. Tanks need to be pumped every few years depending on how much shite flows into them and how big tank is. The solids (shite) don't flow into the fill line--water does. They break down into smaller solids and stay in tank. Eventually you should get tank pumped or run risk of fill line getting clogged with overflowing solids. I think 5 years is a average time between pumpings but that varies greatly. You can remove cover to tank and run a stick to bottom of tank to sorta gauge how much room you have. Septic people have a special tool that is more accurate though.
Like I said, I'd remove that tree if is actually near fill line though.
quote:
possibly have to be changed in like 15-30 years if full
You must of misunderstood him. Tanks need to be pumped every few years depending on how much shite flows into them and how big tank is. The solids (shite) don't flow into the fill line--water does. They break down into smaller solids and stay in tank. Eventually you should get tank pumped or run risk of fill line getting clogged with overflowing solids. I think 5 years is a average time between pumpings but that varies greatly. You can remove cover to tank and run a stick to bottom of tank to sorta gauge how much room you have. Septic people have a special tool that is more accurate though.
Like I said, I'd remove that tree if is actually near fill line though.
Posted on 5/20/18 at 2:25 pm to Chuker
So does the fill line go all the way to front ditch underground?
How do I know if pipes have holes in them or if it’s a solid pipe?
How do I know if pipes have holes in them or if it’s a solid pipe?
Posted on 5/20/18 at 2:29 pm to Cow Drogo
quote:I'm outside city limits so me, and neighbors, have a pipe that drains into ditch at road.
So does the fill line go all the way to front ditch underground?
How do I know if pipes have holes in them or if it’s a solid pipe?
Posted on 5/20/18 at 3:39 pm to Cow Drogo
quote:
So does the fill line go all the way to front ditch underground?
quote:
I'm outside city limits so me, and neighbors, have a pipe that drains into ditch at road.
I'm not simply not familiar with this type of setup so I'm gonna bow out. It may be that your grey water (non-toilet) is run out into the aforementioned ditch or something. That seems unlikely so maybe it is something else. Check to see if pipe is out-letting at ditch. If so then good chance pipe is just some sort of drainpipe w/o holes so you don't have to be concerned with roots and your tree is all good. Hopefully someone more familiar with La septics can chime in.
Posted on 5/20/18 at 3:40 pm to Geauxtiga
quote:
quote:
So does the fill line go all the way to front ditch underground?
How do I know if pipes have holes in them or if it’s a solid pipe?
I'm outside city limits so me, and neighbors, have a pipe that drains into ditch at road.
I've got 75' from the tank to end of the drainage. Remember too, there should be some elevation towards the tank end outflow cuz as ya know the old saying about crap and hills...
Posted on 5/20/18 at 4:27 pm to Sidicous
You will be fine if your FIELD line is left of the yellow line, crepe myrtles are not known for extensive root systems.
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