How can landscaping adversely impact a septic system?

Landscaping can adversely impact a septic system primarily by allowing roots from trees and shrubs to invade and damage septic components. This is crucial to understand because a septic system operates on intricate processes that require unobstructed flow through its various parts, including the tank and leach field. The roots of plants, especially trees and large shrubs, can penetrate the system's pipes and fittings. This can lead to clogs and backups, which in turn could result in costly repairs or even total system failure.

By promoting the growth of trees and shrubs near the septic system, the risk of root intrusion increases, potentially compromising the integrity of the system and leading to environmental contamination. This is why it is essential to plan landscaping carefully, ensuring that there are no large plants nearby that could pose a threat to the structural and functional performance of the septic system.