Expert: Jim Hyland - 7/7/2009

Question
How far away from our septic tank should we plant a Bradford Pear tree in our
backyard. Are there other trees that would be a better choice? We live near
Chico, in Northern California.

Answer
At least 20 feet from the tank and lines. There are many trees that are better than Bradford pear. Bradford' is the original introduction of Callery Pear and has an inferior branching habit when compared to other cultivars which have since been developed. It has many vertical limbs with embedded bark packed closely on the trunk and grows about 40 feet high by 30 to 45 feet wide but the crown is dense and the branches long and not tapered, making it quite susceptible to wind and ice damage and other breakage.

Most trees do not do well near septic tanks since their roots can invade the lines. Some trees have less aggressive roots and may do less rapid or less extensive damage if they are a bit nearer to septic fields. These include:

Ornamental trees such as Cherry, Crabapple trees, and Dogwood trees.