I have my washingmachine draining into the yard under a tree, will this hurt the tree?

Question

i want to try to conserve water by using some of our grey water for watering trees, i live in Phoenix so water is scarce and more expensive then in other places so i am motivated by the savings i will have and also contributing less to the water shortage issues. i don't want to kill the trees though. the water is going to two eucalyptus trees.

Answer 1

no it won't

great way to save water though

Answer 2

Eucalyptus is a tree that doesn't require much water.  The soapy water will be fine, I only think the trees might end up over-watered.  (of course, laundry water that has bleach would be harmful to any plant)

I love the idea of grey water, but maybe a better solution for you is to capture the grey water and contain it so you can distribute the water to the plants when they need it.

Answer 3

Depends what you use in your washing machine.  If you use bleach, it will most definitely harm the trees.  Use biogradable soaps.