Planting Above Sewer Lateral

Hi! So I have about a 150sq ft area in front of my house that I’d like to begin planting with a couple fruit trees (probably plum) and eventually plant a food forest. One problem I’m thinking about is that my sewer lateral runs directly beneath the area I’d like to plant. My guess is it’s about 6-8’ deep. The lateral is likely an old clay or concrete pipe and I’m worried about tree roots getting into it. Am I being overly cautious? Does anyone have recommendations for perrenial plants (ideally some fruiting) that have shorter root systems?

Thank you!!!

George William wrote: The lateral is likely an old clay or concrete pipe and I’m worried about tree roots getting into it. Am I being overly cautious?

Hi George! I don't think you are being overly cautious at all -- I think you are wise to plan for the possibility. This is a major problem for many homeowners, and the financial cost of repair is all on you, and to rub salt in the wound the trees have to be pulled out. Aside from raspberries, I'm not sure what would be best to plant in your area -- I leave that to others with more experience.

Thanks for the reassurance Douglas. I will continue researching

After a similar research journey, I recently planted 3 elderberry shrubs (Sambucus canadensis) for this situation. The roots are shallow (2 - 3 feet) and mat-like. The plants do well in full sun which is a feature of most leach fields. The bare root plants will take 2-3 years to fruit. The soil should be well draining which is the nature of a good drain field. Cuttings can be taken for new plants should the leach field require an overhaul.

Edited to add:
If elderberry roots find a source of standing water (such as a broken lateral pipe or, in my case, the perforated drainage pipe), the plant will die of root rot. This could be a good thing.