Six Ways to Hide All the Ugly Things in Your Yard
HVAC systems, trash cans, outdoor pipes: These may be necessary, but they’re not always attractive, and a home’s appearance is incredibly important to both its resale value and first impressions . If you don’t want that ugly propane tank, sprinkler valve, or row of trash cans to be the first thing people notice about your home, don’t worry—there are some easy ways to hide them.
Artificial stumps and stones
Small objects that disrupt your landscaping or garden, like pool pumps, irrigation pipes, or electrical boxes, can be hidden with inexpensive faux rock , like this one . If the color and texture of the faux rock matches your existing landscaping, it will blend in harmoniously with the surroundings. You can also purchase hollow faux tree stumps, like these , if they fit better into your landscape or you need to hide something taller (or buy a taller faux rock, like this 34-inch model ).
Privacy Screens
Hiding large items like your HVAC system, propane tank, or trash cans requires more than just faux rock. Exterior privacy screens are an easy way to do this, with just a little thought into the style and material to match or complement your home’s exterior. You can even find privacy screens with built-in planters, like this one , so they don’t look like an awkward obstruction, but rather part of your outdoor design plan.
Grilles
If a planter net sounds like a great idea, consider a trellis and vine , which will create a privacy screen with a more natural look. You can also purchase trellis in different shapes so your vines can hide just about anything — like a tubular trellis to hide a downspout or an unsightly section of exposed pipe. You can also make your own trellis to hide just about anything with a vine.
Dye
A few coats of paint can transform almost anything from a bland item to a statement piece. If you have a hard time hiding a large propane tank, HVAC system , or other eye-catching equipment on the outside of your home, consider painting it. A bold accent color that complements the overall look of your home may be enough, but you can also get creative and turn your propane tank into a piece of folk art .
Potted plants
If you have small items that are spoiling the look of your home, such as a gas pipe or an outside meter, it’s easy to install a few potted plants around them. With minimal effort, you can strategically place a few plants around what you want to hide. Depending on the location and landscape around your home, evergreen shrubs are likely the best plants to use, as they grow quite tall and bushy. The downside to evergreens is that they take a long time to spread, so you may want to choose a faster-growing plant like hydrangea instead.
Outdoor furniture
If the thing that’s ruining your home is on the sidewalk or overlooks the street, you might also want to consider adding furniture, like a bench, that sits over it. Instead of a random screen or a bunch of plants that clearly suggest you’re hiding something, a bench, storage box, or patio set will look more appropriate.
Consider a storage bench that is large enough to cover whatever you are hiding, and then remove the back or bottom so that it can be placed directly on top of whatever you are hiding. However, if you are covering a gas pipe, make sure the bench or box has a louvered design for ventilation before you cover it – it should allow air to get out.