Ways to Use Landscaping to Hide Unsightly Yard Elements

It comes with the territory – having a home, especially in Georgia, means part of the landscape includes an air conditioning unit. And, rarely is that AC unit an attractive aspect of the landscape. Furthermore, many homes also have an above ground tank for gas heating. This means as a homeowner, you now have 2 unsightly elements in your landscape that you cannot just move to a new location. However, if you find yourself dealing with one of these eyesores – or perhaps some other item that is less than attractive-then don’t despair. There are landscaping tips and tricks that can be done to keep those elements functional but not necessarily front and center.

5 Ways to Use Landscaping to Hide Unsightly Yard Elements

The two most common items homeowners want to hide via landscaping are the air conditioning unit and, if applicable, the gas tank. Each of these may be needed, but that doesn’t mean they are pretty. Here are some ideas for disguising them, while still allowing them to be functional and accessible.

Use a Screen, Trellis, Section of Fencing or Lattice

Simply set up one of these items, being sure to allow for maintenance people to still access the unit, and then you can dress it up with easy-to-maintain vines, climbing roses, or other ornamentation. This is perfect for either the AC unit or the gas tank.

Also Read: How to Use Your Outside Entertainment Area in a better way?

Landscape Around AC Unit

Whether you opt for lattice boards, stained deck boards, or upgrading pallets, landscaping around ac unit is one of the easiest ways to turn the ugly box into a work of art. You can design the box to be 5-sided so you can lift it up and access the AC unit, or put a hinged door on it to make access easy. Whatever you decide, you have now hidden that ugly metal unit.

Large Moveable Pottery

Go to a garden store, or talk to an Outdoor Makeover & Construction team member, about getting large decorative pots and then plant bright-colored flowers or elegant grasses in them to obscure the view. This is especially helpful if you do a lot of summer entertaining and want to hide them during peak outside entertainment times. Even better, depending on what you plant, you can always change the plants each year for a totally different look! If you want coverage year-round consider the next idea.

Create a Windbreak with Shrubbery

There are many types of shrubbery that are perfect for hiding your AC unit or tank year-round. As an added bonus, they will protect your air conditioner unit from severe weather. Just be sure you leave a couple of feet between the width of the plants and the AC unit and that it is accessible on at least one side. Plants that lend themselves well to this are boxwoods, cypress, cedar, and spruce.

Have a Gravel Garden

Want low or no maintenance? Consider a gravel garden. Both the tank and AC unit are typically set up on bricks, so simply spread gravel around them. Finish off the space with edging stones for a tailored finish. You can add a splash of color with a garden within the rocked area. Great choices would be plants that require little water, paired with some decorative rocks, or even a quirky pondless fountain. Your gas tank or AC unit doesn’t have to be the ugly part of otherwise beautiful landscaping. In no time at all, you can make it into an acceptable part of the landscape. Talk to the Outdoor Makeover & Construction team to learn how we can help.

Landscape Design