How do I fill these concrete troughs?

Jo
by Jo

We are selling this house with several concrete troughs around the perimeter. Any suggestions how to fill these holes while keeping the price low. There is a drip system and a drain. They are 36” long. My current idea is to use plastic planter boxes raised up on blocks.

  6 answers
  • William William on Dec 23, 2018

    Potted plants would look better. Also fill the cracks in the concrete pad with concrete filler or concrete caulk.

  • Michelle Leslie Michelle Leslie on Dec 23, 2018

    Love your idea of the planters. You could also put a wire mesh over the top and place rocks and pebbles over the mesh. The rocks can be faux - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3cWOkfKDuc

  • Cindy Cindy on Dec 23, 2018

    Hi Jo. I'm Cindy. You have the perfect situation to put in some plants, especially with the drip system and drain. You can reduce the amount of soil that you will need by taking up room with plastic milk jugs. Don't use anything made of paper. Putting plants and/or flowers will amp up the curb appeal and will look good when this home goes on the market. Not a ton of work for serious curb appeal. Good luck Jo.

  • Those are planters! Fill them up with some pretty seasonal flowers and up the appeal of the yard. It appears you have an irrigation system in place. If it is working, then no problem keeping them watered and fresh looking. To use less soil to fill them, toss in a bunch of plastic water or soda bottles or add a false bottom with some wire mesh.

  • Ellis Ellis on Dec 24, 2018

    It's not a great idea to have soil up against a house, above the foundation height, as this appears to be. I would definitely figure out some way to insulate the side of the house from the soil, and also to prevent the drain from being clogged with soil; perhaps a heavy-duty landscape fabric? I think long planters isn't a bad idea.

  • 17335038 17335038 on Dec 24, 2018

    I understand that you want to present the house in the best way to potential buyers, by putting in the least amount of money at this point in time.

    In my experience though as both a home seller and buyer, more often than not, one of the first things a new owner does is begin ripping out your 'quick and cheap' efforts at 'sprucing up' the property.


    From the pictures am I guessing correctly that the house is located somewhere in the South West? I would not spend any money doing anything with the planters. As there is no soil in them, the drip lines have likely been exposed to sunlight and heat. What condition are they in? When was the last time they were functioning correctly? If any potential buyers get a home inspection, it would be better if the lines were clearly visible.


    There are also a couple of cracks in the patio that may be addressed in the inspection. Not having any soil in the planters makes it easy to see the condition of the concrete. If any repairs are needed, reduce the price of the house by the repair cost, get the house sold, and move on.