How to Screen a Utility Box
In a well-landscaped front or backyard, a utility box will stand out, often somewhat unattractively. But there are several options for attractively screening a utility box that still allow you or workers to have access to the box. Depending on the look you want for your yard, use just one of technique or combine several to make your utility box blend in with your landscaping. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Wooden trellises
- Measuring tape
- Plants
- Fake rock utility box cover
- Retaining wall blocks
Instructions
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Cover the utility box with a lightweight wooden trellis-style box. Make your own trellis box cover by attaching five pre-made trellises that are of the proper size to cover your utility box together. Four trellises are for the four sides and one attaches as the roof of the box. This works best for small utility boxes where the trellis screen is small and easy to remove.
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Place a tall wooden trellis in front of each side of the utility box except for the back. Place the trellises about 3 feet away from the box and keep the back open so that you or utility workers can still have access to the box.
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3
Plant tall growing plants in front of the utility box. Keep at least 3 feet of space between the box and plants by planting the plants far enough away from the box and keeping the bush trimmed regularly. Also, don't plant roses or other thorny bushes that make access to the utility box hazardous. Shrubby St. Johnswort (Hypericum prolificum), shrubby cinquefoil (Dasiphora fruticosa floribunda) and butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberose) are some shrubs recommended by The University of Texas at Austin Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.specifically for hiding utility boxes.
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4
Purchase a fake-rock utility box cover that fits your box at a lawn and garden center. These decorative rocks come in different sizes, are designed specifically to cover utility boxes and are lightweight for easy removal when needed.
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Use retaining wall blocks to build a solid screen around the utility box. Like the other permanent screens, place the retaining wall blocks at a distance from the box to ensure there is still easy access.
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