Mailbox Landscaping Ideas

All too often mailboxes are a forgotten part of the landscape. In order to receive mail, mailboxes meet U.S. Postal Service standards, but they need not be unattractive. Include them in your landscape for maximum effect.

Purpose

Your mailbox is there to serve as a receptacle for official mail; no other use is permitted. Most mailboxes are sized to accept letters, magazines and small packages. They should display an address or be positioned next to an address. Police and fire services use them to find your home in emergencies. An ugly mailbox can reduce the appeal of the property.

Considerations

Having a well-landscaped mailbox can improve the first impression others have about your home and assist authorities in providing emergency assistance.

Potential

A well-landscaped mailbox can add beauty and appeal to the surrounding area. The landscaping can be simple or complex and should follow any existing theme on the property. Extend the greenery of the yard up onto a porch or the building design out to the curb in order to tie the yard and building together.

Types

Mailboxes may be wall mounted or curbside.

Wall mounted:
Preferred height is 3½ to 4 feet from the ground. These can be lonely and bleak looking against a wall. To improve mailbox appearance, consider painting the box the same contrasting color as doors or windows. Many like the visual effect of using a mailbox that matches brass or silver hardware already in use. You can use numbers made of wood, metal or tile to tie the mailbox into the general landscape of your home. Use other decorative elements such as tile, fish or flower sculptures to create a mural containing the mailbox.

Curbside:
These mailboxes are generally mounted on a 4-inch by 4-inch wooden post or a 2-inch metal pipe at 3½ to 4 feet above the road surface. The mail is placed into the box by a letter carrier seated in a car or small truck. It is important to keep the approach and exit areas clear of curbstones, snow and other obstacles so that the mail can be delivered.

Decorative posts and trim can distinguish the mailbox, as can the choice and placement of numbers. Posts made from large chains, gears and other metal curiosities can add character. Curbside boxes that look like eagles, dolphin and other animals are available, as are military and sports themes. Specialty mailboxes should be used with caution: Will they fit into the overall landscape?

Effects

Choose local varieties of shrubs and vines that will grow well near hot pavement and that will not attract bees or insects. Thorny plants should be avoided. Mix evergreens and species with colorful leaves to mimic color used other places in the yard. Keep plantings to attract butterflies away from the curb so that these delicate creatures are away from the street. If an area needs brightening, use more color in your design. If it is too busy, use the mailbox to simplify the area.

Warning

Mailboxes need to be placed and landscaped so that the letter carrier can find the box and safely deliver your mail.

References

• United States Postal Service

Resources

• University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension
• University of Florida IFAS Extension