What are the worst trees for sewer lines?

Trees are the major cause of blocked drains and sewer lines.

Not all trees are suitable to be planted in the garden around your home. Some trees can grow really fast and hunt for water or nutrients deep in the ground. Pipes and sewer lines are rich sources of nutrients and they become the primary targets for tree roots. The roots can make their way through even the smallest space between two pipes and catch the solid particles flowing through the pipes. Over time, the roots can cause a stubborn blockage in the pipes. In that case, the root killer chemicals won't do any good and you would have to contact Pipe Relining experts to fix the broken pipe.

Best trees to plant near sewer pipes in Australia

Small trees with non-invasive root systems are perfect for gardens. Fruit trees like apple and feijoa can provide fruit and also provide much-needed shade and greenery. Japanese maple and Azaleas are other options you can consider to add some colour to your garden.

Some of the best trees you can plant near your sewer pipes are:

• Apple
• Feijoas
• The Coastal Golden Wattle
• Azaleas
• Bay Tree
• Japanese Maple
• Lemon Myrtle
• Tulipwood
• Native Gardenia
• Olive tree

Here's an infographic which summarises the best and worst trees for sewer lines if you live in Australia.

What trees should you avoid planting?

These trees have fast growth and invasive root systems and can cause problems for your sewer pipes and drain lines. Avoid planting these trees around your sewer lines:

1. Australian White Cedar Banksia
2. Birch tree
3. Bottlebrush
4. Broadleaved pepper trees
5. Bougainvillea
6. Camelia
7. Camphor Laurel
8. Casuarinas
9. Citrus (lemons, limes, oranges)
10. Crepe Myrtle
11. Elms
12. Eucalyptus/Gum
13. Evergreen Alder
14. Figs
15. Frangipani
16. Hollies
17. Hibiscus
18. Illawarra Flame trees
19. Jacaranda
20. Liquidambar
21. Magnolias
22. Oak
23. Oleander
24. Paperbark
25. Pines
26. Poplar tree
27. Rubber
28. Silver Maple
29. Wattle Acacia
30. Willow tree

Note : This list is not exhaustive, consult your local garden centre for advice on ideal plants and trees for your area.

How to avoid blocked drains in your garden?

• Plant slow-growing trees as they will have minimum impact on the drains and sewer lines.
• Do not plant anything within 3 metres of sewer drains and stormwater pipes to reduce the incidence of cracked or blocked pipes due to tree roots.
• Do not flush fats, oil, and grease down the sink.
• Water your garden regularly so the trees do not need to seek aggressive ways to get nutrients.
• Repair old and broken pipes with the help of pipe relining techniques.

Need a blocked drain specialist in SEQ?

If you are experiencing blocked drains, get in contact with our blocked drain specialists at 0403 355 550 or complete our online enquiry form . Our experts will be able to resolve your problem and recommend ways to avoid future problems.