Georgia Master Gardener Program

Shield Your Field!
Your drain field is an essential part of your septic system, where the soil filters and treats wastewater. Protect it by not parking or driving on it, planting trees and shrubs a safe distance away to prevent root interference, and ensuring that roof drains and sump pumps direct water away from it.

In this short video from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, "Shield Your Field," learn about your septic system’s drainfield, including how it works, and tips to take care of it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4bTQ0PQiJA

For more information on do's and don'ts for ornamental plantings on a drainfield, review this UGA Extension publication: https://fieldreport.caes.uga.edu/publications/C1030/ornamental-plantings-on-septic-drainfields/