When creating a beautiful outdoor space, you often start with an empty space. Expansive backyards, empty decks, and beautiful front porches are easy to fill with plants, lighting, and furniture.
But from pipes to HVAC systems, lots of exterior eyesores are known for stealing focus, and they’re not always the easiest to cover up.
We decided to turn to a few of our favorite experts to see what they suggest when it comes to hiding and covering up our ugliest outdoor fixtures.
Plant Vertical Growers
As necessary as they are, especially in summer, HVAC systems take up a ton of space.
Though they’re one of the most common backyard eyesores, according to Catie Casazza of CRL Construction, there’s also a very easy fix to better hide them away: simply surround the area with plants that grow upright.
“I always try to plant out HVAC condensers with something like pittosporum tenuifolium,” she says, referring to a fast-growing evergreen shrub often used for hedges.
According to Casazza, its lace foliage allows for both maximum coverage and, importantly, airflow to the unit.
Look for Multipurpose Planters
As John Stivale and Steven Graffam of Stivale-Graffam Home point out, relying on nature is a tried and true option for hiding almost any unsightly external features. But Graffam gave us another great suggestion: look for planters that are multi-functional.
“Garden hoses are always necessary, but not exactly easy on the eyes,” he says. “Consider a planter that also houses and rolls the garden hose to conceal it from view.”
This can be used to cover other things, too. Anything with a trellis attached to the back is a great way to hide taller outdoor eyesores or look for options on wheels.
Use Fencing
While hedges and other plants are a great option, there are times they might not work. In this case, it might be time to use fencing.
Plenty of people go this route to conceal their outdoor trashcans, but Casazza says this can be an ideal option for your HVAC system, too. If you do that, Casazza strongly advises keeping it low, no higher than 6” above the condenser.
Cover Fencing with Vines
While some fences are charming and enhance your home’s curb appeal, others can majorly detract from it.
Chain link fencing, for example, is especially unsightly. Unfortunately, it can be a necessary evil because sometimes, it’s the most functional—even if it does tend to mar an otherwise lovely exterior.
Luckily, Casazza has a great solution. Thanks to the design, she says chain-link fences are actually the perfect place to plant vines.
As they grow, they’ll naturally weave around the fence, filling it with greenery and, depending on the varietal, flowers. She personally suggests the hardy, evergreen Star Jasmine.
Create a “Garden Distraction”
If you can’t fully hide something, Stivale suggests diverting attention. For this, you can use everything from eye-catching plants to ornate furniture—but it all adds up to what Stivale calls a garden distraction.
“Potted plants, tall bushes, or even a unique garden sculpture can distract from unsightly, yet necessary, outdoor elements,” he says.
Other options include water features and, depending on what you’re trying to hide, outdoor kitchens or fire pits.
Build a “Birdhouse”
Some eyesores are smaller but that doesn’t make them any less painful to look at. If you’re dealing with external electrical panels or backup batteries, Casazza suggests building a “birdhouse” around the item in question.
“This is wood housing with a visual opening on the front—like a birdhouse—to expose the electrical meter for reading or a battery for maintenance,” Casazza explains.
If you go this route, Casazza notes that it’s important to check local building laws to ensure you’re not blocking access.