How to Remove Tree Roots From the End of Septic Fields
- 1). Flush copper sulfate crystals down the toilet. Copper sulfate will kill active tree roots that come in contact with it, so it is usually necessary to use more than one copper sulfate treatment and check the drainfield lines periodically to see if the tree roots have stopped growing. Never exceed 2 pounds per 300 gallons of tank capacity, and never exceed two applications per year.
- 2). Remove the tree mechanically. Depending on the size of the tree, it may be necessary to contact a professional tree-felling service to complete the tree removal. Take extra care to make sure all the tree's roots are removed along with the tree, and repair any septic drainpipes that were damaged by the roots. The tree can either be disposed of or transplanted to other soil.
- 3). Practice good preventative maintenance to avoid damaging your drainfield in the future. Avoid planting any trees or deep-rooted plants over the top of the septic drainfield. If there are trees already growing close enough to the drainfield that the field lines could be damaged, consider installing geotextiles impregnated with herbicide underground around the tree's root ball to keep the roots from interfering with the pipes.
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