Quck answer
Electric transformer boxes are functional but not aesthetically pleasing. To hide them with landscaping, follow these steps:
1. Choose tall plants or shrubs that can effectively conceal the transformer box. Opt for evergreen varieties to maintain coverage throughout the year.
2. Create a barrier around the box using decorative fencing or trellises. This not only hides the box but also adds visual appeal to the space.
3. Use decorative rocks or mulch to cover the ground around the transformer box. This helps blend it into the surrounding landscape.
4. Consider adding a small garden or flower bed nearby to divert attention away from the transformer box.
5. Regularly maintain and trim the plants to ensure the box remains hidden while still allowing easy access for maintenance.
By following these steps, you can effectively camouflage an electric transformer box and enhance the overall appearance of your landscaping.
Many homeowners want to hide an electric transformer box with landscaping because utility boxes are functional but not aesthetically pleasing. While it is not possible to move the box and it needs to remain accessible, there are ways to divert attention from it. Strategically placed hedges, plantings, or screens can draw the focus away from the box and towards the more decorative elements of the yard.
Check the Guidelines of the Utility Company
Prior to concealing an electric transformer box with landscaping, it is important to consult the utility company to understand any restrictions. In some cases, clearances may be required around the transformer to ensure easy access. Before starting your plans, inquire about how close you can position landscaping features.
Moreover, there might be underground cables and wires near the transformer, which can pose a safety hazard if digging is involved in the landscaping. Call the national digging alert hotline at 811 before commencing any landscaping project that requires digging. The appropriate utility company will send workers to mark the locations of underground wires, cables, and pipes.
Install a Fence Around the Electric Transformer Box
If your goal is simply to hide the transformer without blending it into the landscape, consider installing a fence or another type of screen around it. Picket fencing that matches the height of the transformer can obscure the box from view and enhance the charm of the yard. For a more decorative touch, you can put up lattice panels or construct a wooden box to cover the transformer.
Regardless of the method chosen, ensure that the transformer remains accessible. You may opt to enclose the transformer on three sides only or build a box with a door or hinged panel. In the case of a smaller structure, keeping it movable allows workers to easily move it out of the way when access is required.
Create a Plant Screen
If your aim is not only to conceal the transformer but also to make it blend seamlessly into the landscape, creating a screen with plants is a viable option. Plant varieties such as emerald green arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd,’ hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 4 through 8) and north privet (Ligustrum x ibolium, zones 4-8) are effective for this purpose.
You can also consider planting tall ornamental grasses, like feather reed grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster,’ zones 4-9), around the transformer to hide it without disrupting the flow of the landscape.
Similar to fencing, ensure that the plants are positioned in a way that allows access to the transformer, taking into account the plants’ mature sizes. Additionally, consider the root system of the chosen plants, as those with deep roots can damage the underground wiring. Vining plants may grow onto the box and impede workers’ access to it.
Create a Distraction
Concealing an electric transformer box with landscaping does not necessarily require a complete screen or cover. Placing decorative elements in front of or beside the transformer can obstruct its view and divert attention away from its appearance.
Consider placing a large boulder or other decorative rock in front of the transformer box. Adding smaller boulders and gravel can create a rock garden surrounding the transformer. Another option is to position a large garden statue or fountain in front of the transformer to draw attention away from the box.
