There are a few areas of a given property that may be considered somewhat differently than usual if you have a water well located on the property, and the concept of landscaping in this area is a good example. While you typically won’t need to completely revamp your entire landscape to account for a water well, there are a few approaches you should be considering to ensure that both the well and your landscaping features are in great shape at all times.
At Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC, we’re here to offer comprehensive well services to clients around Utah, including water well drilling, well pump services and more. And while we are not landscaping professionals, we have extensive experience with water wells and the impact they can have on surrounding vegetation and other components of a landscape. Here are some simple tips on what to do and not to do with regard to landscaping around your well.
Ensure Wellhead Visibility
When we talk about the wellhead, we’re referring to the top of the pump that is visible above ground. It’s important to ensure that this wellhead is both visible and accessible at all times, so it can be checked on regularly and serviced when needed.
Generally speaking, there should be at least 12 inches of clearance between the wellhead and any surrounding vegetation or other landscaping features. This helps to provide access for service if needed, as well as a better view of the area around the wellhead so it can be monitored more effectively.
Drainage and Slope Around Wellhead
Another vital consideration for landscaping around your well is the slope of the land in and around it. The ground should be slightly higher near the wellhead to ensure proper drainage away from the well, as water that pools close by can put it at risk.
It’s also important not to construct any type of retaining wall or other feature near your wellhead that could cause water accumulation and damage the well itself. If a retaining wall is needed, it should be constructed further away with proper sloping to direct any runoff away from your wellhead area.
Keep Plantings a Reasonable Distance Away
As you’re planning the landscaping around your well, be sure to keep any plantings a reasonable distance away. Trees and other vegetation can actually cause damage to wells, as their roots can grow large enough to interfere with pipes and even potentially disrupt the integrity of the well itself.
As a general rule, you should try to keep all trees or other significant plantings at least four feet away from the wellhead. This will help to ensure that any roots won’t interfere with your well while still providing some visual landscaping and shade in the area. And if you have any plants or trees that you know have particularly long root systems, it’s a good idea to keep these even further away.
Keep Fertilizers and Pesticides Far Away
One group of substances that you’ll want to keep far away from your well is fertilizers and pesticides. These chemicals can seep into the ground around the wellhead, potentially compromising both its integrity and the quality of the water it produces by introducing contaminants.
If you do need to use any type of fertilizer or pesticide on your lawn, make sure that you keep these products at least 100 feet from your wellhead. This will help ensure that any runoff or seepage is far away from the well and doesn’t compromise its quality in any way.
Use Caution When Working in the Wellhead Area
If you regularly make updates or improvements to your landscaping, be sure to use caution when working near the wellhead area. You should never excavate or otherwise disturb the ground within 25 feet of your wellhead without first consulting with a professional in the field, as this could cause unintended damage to the well itself.
Confirm Local Restrictions or Requirements
Finally, it’s always a good idea to confirm any local restrictions related to working around your wellhead before making any changes. Each area can have different requirements, so make sure you understand what is expected and allowed in terms of well maintenance and landscaping in your region before doing anything more involved than regular mowing or basic pruning.
By following these tips, you’ll be sure to maintain a landscape that looks great while also keeping your well in the best possible condition. If you have any questions or concerns about landscaping near your water well or any of our other well services for clients around Utah, don’t hesitate to contact Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC today.
