QuestionA river birch has been suggested for my back yard to provide shade for my deck. The location is on the north side of my house with a wind break of 30 foot evergreens to the west and east and a stand of white pines to the north. I have a septic tank and three drain wells (not a leaching bed) in the yard. I have never seen (in 33 years) any evidence of wet ground or leaking pipes. Is it safe to plant a river birch? How close to the septic tank can I get with a river birch and still be on the "safe" side?
AnswerThey will not necessarily "tear up" the septic tank but the river birch as the name says likes water and will grow roots toward the water and the roots will clog the tank and lines. It is not the depth of the root system but the aggressiveness and water needs of the tree roots.
I would say a safe distance would be at least 25 feet from the septic tank or lines.
