can this be used to kill tree roots in sewer line?

Asked by: ray

Answered by: Grabbag

I just had an excellent local septic tank company come and pump out my septic tank. Salt in reasonable doses according to the owner, does not harm septic tanks. In fact, because I am in the South, salt, a natural substance, and not an artificial product, IS added to septic tanks to help control the relentless advance of growing roots from nearby trees and so on. Salt burns and stuns the advancing root network, where it stops or backs up BECAUSE roots do not like salt. If this meant that you only had to address the root blockage problem in warm climates every 8 years instead of every 2, than it might be worthwhile to use salt. In moderate amounts twice a year: 50 lbs for initial dose, additional salt 25 lbs, as time goes on, I can see where it may be beneficial.