{"id":595,"date":"2025-07-18T10:54:16","date_gmt":"2025-07-18T14:54:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/gmanr\/?p=595"},"modified":"2026-01-23T10:34:18","modified_gmt":"2026-01-23T15:34:18","slug":"poopin-for-pollinators","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/gmanr\/2025\/07\/poopin-for-pollinators\/","title":{"rendered":"Poopin&#8217; for Pollinators"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>What a crazy notion! While it may sound crazy to start off with Poop of all things, we are addressing the age-old concern \u201cwhat can I plant on my septic drainfield?\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;autoclose&quot;: true, &quot;accordionItems&quot;: [] }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/accordion\" role=\"group\" class=\"wp-block-accordion is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-is-layout-flow\">\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-1&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-1-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-1\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">How Does a Septic System Work\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-1\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-1-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Crash course here:&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Septic systems collect and treat household wastewater. They have three main components: the tank, the drain lines, and the drainfield.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Tank<\/strong> \u2013 Wastewater flows into the tank, where it separates into three layers:&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sludge<\/strong> (solids) settles at the bottom&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Scum<\/strong> (fats and oils) floats on top&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>\u201cClear\u201d water<\/strong> stays in the middle&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Drain Lines<\/strong> \u2013 The partially treated water flows from the tank into underground pipes that carry it to the drainfield.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Drainfield<\/strong> \u2013 This is the area where the water is further filtered naturally by the soil. Microbes, bacteria, and earthworms in the soil help break down any remaining waste.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Eventually, the treated water seeps into the groundwater, completing a natural filtration process.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>( <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.uga.edu\/publications\/detail.html?number=B1421&amp;title=a-beginners-guide-to-septic-systems\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">A Beginner\u2019s Guide to Septic Systems<\/a>, Bulletin 1421)&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/2018-11\/conventional_septic_system-600x575.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/2018-11\/septic_tank-600x443.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-2&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-2-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-2\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">Factors That Can Damage Your Septic System\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-2\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-2-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>We all want the best for our property, but it&#8217;s easy to forget about the septic system since it\u2019s out of sight underground. Unfortunately, a failing system can cause serious damage\u2014especially to your pocketbook.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To keep your septic system working properly, avoid these common mistakes:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Digging too deeply or using a rototiller<\/strong>&nbsp;<br>These activities can damage underground drainpipes.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Driving or parking on the drainfield<\/strong>&nbsp;<br>Heavy vehicles can cause soil compaction, crush pipes, or even get stuck in wet ground.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Installing raised beds, vegetable gardens, rain gardens, or ponds over the drainfield<\/strong>&nbsp;<br>These can trap excess moisture in the soil, reducing the system\u2019s ability to function. Poor drainage in saturated soil leaves wastewater with nowhere to go.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Planting trees or other plants with aggressive, spreading roots<\/strong>&nbsp;<br>Roots can invade and clog drainpipes as they search for water and nutrients.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong>&nbsp;<br>When planting woody ornamentals, keep them at least a distance equal to their <em>mature height<\/em> away from the drainfield (this info is usually on the plant tag). Doubling or even tripling that distance is even better.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-3&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-3-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-3\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">What to Avoid\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-3\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-3-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>Plants to Avoid Over or Near Septic Systems<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Woody ornamentals (shrubs and trees):<\/strong>&nbsp;<br>These plants have deep or spreading root systems that can invade and damage drainpipes.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Water-demanding or \u201cthirsty\u201d plants:<\/strong>&nbsp;<br>Plants that require frequent irrigation can oversaturate the soil, reducing the septic system\u2019s ability to function properly.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Frequently rotated crops (like annuals and seasonal vegetables):<\/strong>&nbsp;<br>Constant digging and soil disturbance can harm underground components of the system.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fruits and vegetables:<\/strong>&nbsp;<br>Growing edible plants over a drainfield poses a risk of contamination from harmful bacteria like <em>E. coli<\/em> and other coliforms.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dense, mat-forming groundcovers:<\/strong>&nbsp;<br>These plants can limit air and water movement in the soil, interfering with the natural filtration process.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-4&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-4-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-4\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">What <em>Can<\/em> You Plant Over a Septic Drainfield?\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-4\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-4-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>If you want to add greenery while protecting your septic system, choose plants that are safe, low-impact, and beneficial to the environment. Here are some great options:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Annuals, perennials, and turfgrass<\/strong>&nbsp;<br>Turfgrass is the usual option for drainfields. Annuals and Perennials are generally safe when planted <em>between<\/em> drain lines to avoid disturbing pipes.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Plants with small, shallow root systems<\/strong>&nbsp;<br>Shallow roots are less likely to interfere with drainpipes.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Low-maintenance and drought-tolerant species<\/strong>&nbsp;<br>These reduce the need for watering and upkeep, which helps keep the soil from becoming too saturated.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Plants you wouldn\u2019t mind removing<\/strong>&nbsp;<br>If the system ever needs maintenance, it&#8217;s best to avoid planting anything you&#8217;d hate to dig up.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>And here&#8217;s our favorite tip:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83c\udf3c <strong>Pollinator-friendly native plants<\/strong>&nbsp;<br>The Georgia Green Landscape Stewards Team recommends planting native species that support pollinators. Most native plants behave like perennials\u2014either coming back from roots or reseeding naturally each year. They&#8217;re beautiful, eco-friendly, and septic-safe when used thoughtfully.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Planting with care not only protects your septic system\u2014it supports a healthier landscape for both people and wildlife.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/gmanr\/files\/2025\/07\/IMG_4723-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"wildflower meadow with skipper pollinator\" class=\"wp-image-597\" srcset=\"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/gmanr\/files\/2025\/07\/IMG_4723-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/gmanr\/files\/2025\/07\/IMG_4723-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/gmanr\/files\/2025\/07\/IMG_4723-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/gmanr\/files\/2025\/07\/IMG_4723.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-5&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-5-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-5\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">Help and Resources\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-5\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-5-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>Need Help Getting Started?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While we\u2019d love to hand you a ready-made landscape plan, the truth is\u2014there\u2019s no one-size-fits-all solution. Each of us has a different vision of the \u201cperfect\u201d pollinator habitat. We all have unique preferences for plant color, texture, and design\u2014and let\u2019s not forget, different landscaping budgets.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To help you begin your journey, we\u2019ve compiled a list of helpful resources below. These tools can guide your decisions, inspire ideas, and show you real-life examples of how to bring pollinator-friendly landscaping to life in your own yard.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you need help understanding any of the resources or want guidance as you get started, contact your local Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent by calling <strong>1-800-ASK-UGA1 (1-800-275-8421)<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019re here to help!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.uga.edu\/publications\/detail.html?number=B1421&amp;title=a-beginners-guide-to-septic-systems\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">A Beginner\u2019s Guide to Septic Systems<\/a>, Bulletin 1421&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.uga.edu\/publications\/detail.html?number=C1030&amp;title=ornamental-plantings-on-septic-drainfields\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ornamental Plantings on Septic Drainfields<\/a>, Circular 1030&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.uga.edu\/publications\/detail.html?number=C1032-4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Drawing a Landscape Plan<\/a>, Circular 1032-4&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/hnpark.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Homegrown National Park<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.uga.edu\/publications\/detail.html?number=B1456&amp;title=eco-friendly-garden-attracting-pollinators-beneficial-insects-and-other-natural-predators\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Eco-Friendly Garden: Attracting Pollinators, Beneficial Insects, and Other Natural Predators<\/a>, Bulletin 1456&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.uga.edu\/publications\/detail.html?number=B987-3&amp;title=native-plants-for-georgia-part-iii-wildflowers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Native Plants for Georgia Part III: Wildflowers,<\/a> Bulletin 987-3&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/botgarden.uga.edu\/pollinator-plants-of-the-year\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pollinator Plants of the Year,<\/a> State Botanical Garden of Georgia&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.eealliance.org\/uploads\/1\/2\/9\/7\/129730705\/recommended_native_plant_nurseries_list_gnpi_sbg_april_2020.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Georgia Native Nurseries and Seed Distributors,<\/a> State Botanical Garden of Georgia&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What a crazy notion! While it may sound crazy to start off with Poop of all things, we are addressing the age-old concern \u201cwhat can I plant on my septic drainfield?\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":456,"featured_media":597,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[12,14,4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-595","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lawns","category-natural-resources-environmental-science","category-ornamentals"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/gmanr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/595","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/gmanr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/gmanr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/gmanr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/456"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/gmanr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=595"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/gmanr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/595\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":714,"href":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/gmanr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/595\/revisions\/714"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/gmanr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/597"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/gmanr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=595"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/gmanr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=595"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/gmanr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=595"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}