Transformer boxes, electric meters, AC units, cable cabinets – all part of a humming modern home. And all eyesores if left bare in the middle of your landscape. Repairmen and utility crews must have access, so completely covering the ugly utility boxes is not an option. But there are options for hiding utility boxes safely by making some clever adjustments in your landscape.
Safety First!
Before you dig in the area around utility boxes you need to check for underground cables or electrical lines. This avoids the possibility of damaging or cutting through lines that will disconnect your service and potentially require repairs. It also protects you from the possibility of injury from live electrical lines.
In the United States a call to 811 is the best way to get the utility lines on your property marked so that you can easily see where it is safe to dig. Calling 811 offers a simple process that provides a one-step notification system to connect with all your local utility providers. Once notified, the utilities will send a representative to your property to place flags or paint lines to mark any underground lines. To learn more about 811 in your state visit the 811 website HERE. You’ll probably need to allow a few days for all of your utility lines to get marked so consider that in your project timeline.
1. Grasses are Great for Hiding Utility Boxes and Propane Tanks
2. Plant Evergreen Shrubs to Hide an Electrical Box
3. Make a Screen Using a Decorative Fence
4. Cover Your Utility Box with a Fake Boulder
Privacy screens don’t just have to hide utility boxes – they have a host of other uses in the garden, well worth checking out.
Looking for a place to buy items that can hide electrical boxes in front yard.
Hi James,
If you do an internet search for “fake rock to hide utility box” you should find options for where to purchase artificial boulders. Otherwise, garden centers are a source for plants, and home improvement or lumber stores should have materials for constructing a fence or box.
Hi! Trying to hide a box located in the corner of a condo (against a wall) with only 8 inches in front, and unable to dig. Thinking planters…any suggestions?/
Hi Pam,
Agree, that’s not a lot of space, and we’re going to assume you need to maintain some accessibility to the utility box. Going with a planter box makes sense because you could move it if needed (although admittedly, that wouldn’t be a fun job once the boxes are filled with soil and plants unless the box has casters attached).
Although they can be pricey, there are rectangular planter boxes available with an attached trellis. Most standard planter boxes are too short to grow tall plants, such as shrubs, because there isn’t enough space for root development over the long term. You could go a lot higher and hide more by growing a vining plant on a trellis. Do an internet search for “planter box with trellis” to see examples. We also found some general ideas for different boxes and plant combinations at Flower Window Boxes that might help trigger ideas for you.
Do not dig nor plant within 10′ of electric transformer! Always call Miss Utility before you dig. Putting a shovel in the ground near a transformer could cause electrocution – death by electricity.
Striking a communication line will lead to a very expensive bill from the utility owner.
Great suggestions Mary! We have revised the article to include a caution about digging before you identify where underground lines may run, as well as including information for contacting 811. Thank you for taking the time to point this out to us.
Does LCEC have a program to art wrap padded transformer boxes in a community? Please advise.
Hi Katie,
Wrapping transformer boxes with graphic designs is certainly an interesting idea and wrapping, instead of planting, could help keep the area around the box free from the obstacles plants might pose as they grow larger. You will want to contact LCEC directly to find out if they support this type of program. Businesses that design and produce wraps might also be able to help with additional information.