Electric box in front yard

Shirley Hottot
by Shirley Hottot
My electric put a huge ugly box in my front yard. It has doors on 3 sides so we are not allowed to plant within 5 feet. Is there anything I can do to make this box less ugly?
Electric box in front yard
  15 answers
  • Eglehawk Eglehawk on May 04, 2015
    Unfortunately you can't put anything,fencing shrubs or anything near it because they have to be able to see the ugly green thing from the street
  • B. Enne B. Enne on May 04, 2015
    What about a hinged panel like this with potted shrubs in front of it that can be moved? http://www.amazinginteriordesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Hide-an-AC-Unit.jpg How about a fake rock box :) http://rocksfast.com/fake-rocks-and-boulders#intro
  • Tracey Tracey on May 04, 2015
    Oh my heavens why did they HAVE to put it there couldn't they at least put it on the other side of the driveway?
  • Deanie Winter Deanie Winter on May 04, 2015
    What state do you live in? What are the right of way limitations on Utilities. We are allowed to plant around them in our city. They very seldom have to access and if they need to cut back the shrubbery at that time; at least you wouldn't have to be looking at them their entire existence. I would first going to your cities building, planning office they may have other information for you than what the Utility co has. Good luck.
  • Katrina Warren Katrina Warren on May 04, 2015
    @Shirley Hottot Wow, aren't you the lucky one?!!!! Ughhhhh...... I would make some sort of hinged fence to go around it, that could easily be completely removed if needed like is done to hide large air conditioning units etc... & IF like eglehawk up there says it HAS to be Seen from the street, possible do the same thing but with lattice work that would somewhat hide it while still keeping it partially visible? Or check to see if it could be painted to blend in with the landscaping... Good Luck!
  • Gayleb Gayleb on May 04, 2015
    I'm a Real Estate Broker & I see these ugly things spoiling the looks of homes all the time. The gated fence seems to be the most popular solution. The Utility Companies could care less what they look like but seem to be fine with a gated fence.
  • This is so aggravating...why would they do that?! Good luck...I hope you can do something to hide it, your home is too pretty to have that eye sore blocking the view!
  • Charlotte Charlotte on May 05, 2015
    I had an electric box and a fire hydrant! I thought it would look cute as a faux painted dog house with a big black plastic chain to the fire hydrant.
  • Grady Grady on May 05, 2015
    I would make it look like cake.
  • CK CK on May 05, 2015
    Too bad you can't plant something pretty around/in front of it and then put up a sign that says "Behind this gorgeous bush is an ugly electric box" -) LOL!
    • See 1 previous
    • CK CK on May 07, 2015
      @Shirley Hottot Wouldn't it be a hoot if you really did carry out my silly suggestion? I mean, the innuendos to the electric company, who decided they HAD to place that ugly thing in your front yard, would be terrific! LOL! I know the electric boxes are necessary but geesh, you'd think they could come up with something nicer looking ;-) Oh well.....
  • Marion Nesbitt Marion Nesbitt on May 08, 2015
    Infuriating. Boggles my mind how these companies can just do what they want without even consulting with the homeowners. Assume this box services several properties. I'd look into trying to charge them for use of your property, reduction in property value.
  • Edmund Agpaoa Edmund Agpaoa on Jul 30, 2015
    I think yu cant plant anything near it bc da roots might damage the electrical lines, so maybe you can use removeable planter boxes or anything thats portable. Double check the regulations with your local city and county. If theres not rules again covering the front you can be creative and work around the rules...
  • Gino Lewis Gino Lewis on Aug 12, 2015
    Corner picket fence, DIY lattice fence might work better - then grow some climbing plants on the fence. 2/3 panels should work
  • Heather Martin Heather Martin on Aug 15, 2015
    You could paint flowers to make it look like a planter box - only trouble is they may not be able to find it.
  • Kauai Breeze Kauai Breeze on Oct 16, 2016
    I would put a "post and rail" fence on the corner. That way if they need to get into it, the rails can easily be removed from the posts. Just two sections on the corner would drawn attention away from the box. The top would be a great place to put your jack-o-lanterns for Halloween!!!