Protecting Septic Drain Fields from Invasive Tree Roots: A Practical Guide

Tree roots are powerful and persistent, often seeking out moisture and nutrients—making your septic drain field a prime target. Without intervention, these roots can clog or damage your system, leading to expensive repairs and potential health hazards. Fortunately, there are several effective products and strategies designed to prevent this issue before it starts.

Tree Roots Close Up

Why Tree Roots Target Septic Systems

Tree roots are naturally drawn to moisture, and septic systems offer a consistent source of water and nutrients. Once roots infiltrate the drainage pipes or the leach field, they can grow rapidly, forming clogs and causing structural damage.

To prevent this, proactive measures must be taken—especially during landscaping, construction, or septic system installation.

Septic System in Backyard

Solution #1: BioBarrier Root Control Fabric

The BioBarrier Septic System Root Barrier is a high-tech, proven solution. Made by Typar in the USA, this fabric uses embedded nodules of time-release Trifluralin—a herbicide that stops root cell division without harming the tree.

Because it’s permeable, water and air still pass through, but root tips do not. This creates a “no-root zone” around your system that lasts up to 15 years, making it ideal for both horizontal and vertical installations in residential and commercial landscapes.

Large Tree Roots in Yard

Solution #2: HDPE Tree Root Barrier Rolls

Another highly durable solution is our HDPE Root Barrier, made from ultra-tough plastic designed to resist tearing, punctures, and decay. These barriers come in various depths—ranging from 18” to 48”—allowing you to match the specific rooting depth of local tree species.

Shipped in long rolls, the HDPE barrier minimizes seams (which are the weakest point in any root barrier system). When additional length is needed, a special double-sided HDPE seam tape ensures a tight seal with a 4’ overlap, greatly reducing the chance of root intrusion.

Case Study: Saving a Septic System with BioBarrier

A homeowner in Georgia was facing repeated root blockages in their septic drain field caused by fast-growing willow trees nearby. Traditional root cutting only worked temporarily, and full tree removal wasn’t feasible due to zoning and landscape value.

The solution? A trench was dug around the leach field and lined with BioBarrier fabric installed vertically. In less than two days, the entire perimeter was secured. Now, over five years later, no further root intrusion has occurred—and the willow trees remain healthy, standing just beyond the barrier.

Final Tips and Recommendations

• Install root barriers at the time of septic system installation if possible—it’s easier and cheaper.
• For existing systems, trenching and retrofitting is still very effective.
• Choose materials based on the root risk level: BioBarrier for smart, long-lasting control, or HDPE plastic for ultra-heavy-duty protection.
• Avoid planting water-seeking species (like willows or poplars) near your septic field altogether.

Taking proactive measures now can save thousands later—and keep your trees and septic system peacefully coexisting for decades.