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16 Landscaping Tricks That Hide Eyesores

Landscaping can do wonders to improve the look of your outdoor space, but sometimes certain features just don’t fit the view. Whether it’s utility boxes, pool pumps, or other fixtures, these elements can distract from your yard’s overall appeal.

You’ll find simple and effective tricks to help you hide those eyesores without major renovations. These ideas let you enhance your landscape’s beauty while keeping practical elements out of sight.

Use large artificial landscaping rocks to cover pool pumps and utility boxes

Large gray rock resting on a grassy lawn, rock serving as a natural landscape feature, potential seating spot in a garden, boundary marker in a park, decorative stone in an outdoor green space
Image Credit: Naoki Suzuki / Unsplash.

You can easily hide pool pumps and utility boxes with large artificial landscaping rocks. These rocks look natural and blend well with your existing outdoor features.

They come in various sizes and colors, so you can pick one that matches your garden or yard. This simple trick improves your space without much effort and keeps eyesores out of plain sight.

Build raised garden beds around eyesores like electric boxes

Raised garden bed with square foot gardening layout, green onions and broccoli growing, wooden borders surrounding soil, string grid over soil to divide sections, gardening markers visible
Image Credit: Thomask0, CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons.

You can easily disguise electric boxes by building raised garden beds around them. These beds create a natural barrier, blending the eyesore into your landscape.

Planting colorful flowers or small shrubs in the raised beds draws attention away from the box. It also adds extra green space to your yard, making the area feel more inviting.

Plant tall evergreen shrubs to block unattractive structures

Manicured Wintergreen boxwood hedges in a formal garden with brick pathway, willow trees, and lake in background
Image Credit: cultivar413 – CC BY 2.0/Wiki Commons.

You can use tall evergreen shrubs to hide fences, utility boxes, or other eyesores in your yard. These plants keep their leaves year-round, providing consistent coverage.

Choose fast-growing varieties like Cindo Viburnum or boxwood for quicker results. They create a natural screen that softens and improves your outdoor space without needing a fence or wall.

Placing shrubs strategically near structures adds privacy and a touch of greenery to your landscape.

Install privacy fencing with decorative panels

Flowering apple tree in bloom above green Arborvitae 'North Pole' hedge fence, with evergreen trees and blue sky in background
Image Credit: By Wilhelm Zimmerling PAR – CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons.

You can use privacy fencing to block unwanted views and create a cleaner backyard look. Decorative panels add charm while hiding eyesores like old fences or clutter.

Choose panels with patterns or materials that match your style. This makes your fence both functional and visually appealing.

Installing them is simple—just attach panels to a standard frame. This approach offers a quick way to improve privacy and cover up areas that bother you.

Create vertical gardens on unsightly walls or fences

ertical garden wall with lush green plants, herbs, vegetables in modular planters, modern urban gardening system, outdoor installation
Image Credit: Adobe Stock.

You can turn a dull wall or fence into a lively garden by adding vertical planters. This not only hides the eyesore but also brings greenery into your space.

Vertical gardens are great for small yards since they use vertical space. Choose plants that suit your climate and light conditions for the best results.

Using a mix of flowers, herbs, or succulents can create a beautiful and functional backdrop. Plus, vertical gardens are easy to maintain once set up.

Use multipurpose planters to add beauty and camouflage

Vertical garden with terracotta pipes mounted on wooden fence, various green plants growing from pipes, outdoor wall planting system
Image Credit: Witanto Gallery/Shutterstock.

You can use multipurpose planters to disguise eyesores like utility boxes or pipes. They add greenery and color while hiding what you don’t want to see.

Choose planters with built-in features like shelves or trellises. This lets you combine plants with decorative elements, making your space look intentional and charming.

Placing colorful flowers or trailing vines in these planters can draw attention away from unsightly areas. It’s an easy way to boost curb appeal without major work.

Construct a flower bed around well pump covers

Concrete wishing well with a bright metallic bucket hanging at the center, set in an outdoor garden or yard
Image Credit: Kristijan Nikacevic/ Pexels.

You can soften the look of a well pump cover by building a small flower bed around it. Choose plants that suit your climate and sunlight in the area.

Adding colorful flowers or low shrubs draws attention away from the cover and makes the space more inviting. Make sure to leave enough room for access when needed.

Place decorative lattice screens with climbing vines

Green vine plants with heart-shaped leaves climbing a dark brown wooden trellis, the vines wrap around the vertical and horizontal slats, supported by the structure for upward growth
Image Credit: daryl_mitchell-CC BY-SA 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons.

You can easily hide unattractive spots with decorative lattice screens. They add structure and charm without blocking light completely.

Adding climbing vines to the lattice creates natural beauty while softening harsh edges. Over time, your screen will look lush and inviting.

This method works well for fences, walls, or awkward corners. It’s a simple way to transform your yard’s appearance.

Incorporate colorful container gardens strategically

Vibrant purple flowers blooming in a wooden planter box, likely campanula or bellflowers, against a blurred green background
Image Credit: Adobe Stock.

You can use colorful container gardens to draw attention away from less attractive spots in your yard. Placing vibrant pots near eyesores helps blend them into the garden’s overall look.

Try stacking pots of different colors or adding small decor elements inside containers. This creates interest and adds personality, making the area feel intentional rather than cluttered.

Position containers at entrances or along pathways to guide the eye naturally. This simple trick can make a big difference in how your outdoor space feels.

Use faux rock covers for septic or irrigation systems

Colorful flower garden, winding path of pebbles, vibrant purple and yellow flowers, well-maintained landscaping, mix of rocks and plants, natural garden design
Image Credit: Adobe Stock.

You can easily hide septic or irrigation system lids with faux rock covers. These covers look like real stones and blend naturally into your landscape.

They are simple to install and can be removed quickly when you need access. This solution keeps your yard looking neat without blocking essential access points.

Faux rock covers also work well for hiding other outdoor equipment like electrical boxes or garden hoses. They’re a practical and friendly way to improve your yard’s appearance.

Create a dedicated storage area with attractive bins

Dark wooden planter box with pink flowering plants, stone patio flooring, glass doors, modern outdoor landscaping design
Image Credit: Adobe Stock.

You can use bins or enclosures designed to keep items like garbage cans neat and out of sight. Choose materials and colors that blend well with your yard for a polished look.

Building a small shed or using stylish covers can make your storage area both functional and appealing. This keeps your outdoor space tidy while hiding clutter effectively.

Plant bamboo or fast-growing grasses for quick screens

Dwarf Mondo Grass with blue-green coloration growing in mounded clumps under natural lighting
Image Credit: Hameltion – CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons.

If you want to block unwanted views quickly, bamboo and fast-growing grasses are great options. They grow fast and create dense screens to hide eyesores.

Bamboo is especially effective, but be sure to use root barriers to control its spread. These plants also add a natural look while giving you privacy in a short time.

Add trellises with flowering vines like clematis

Bright pink roses blooming in a landscaped garden, a wooden pergola covered with climbing vines stands nearby, stone steps and trimmed hedges create a structured backdrop, the scene highlights a vibrant, well-maintained outdoor space designed for beauty and relaxation
Image Credit: Atwngirl, CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons.

You can place trellises in spots where eyesores are most visible. Plant flowering vines such as clematis at the base.

These vines climb quickly and add color and texture to your space. Clematis works well in containers or near other plants.

A trellis gives the vines structure, helping them grow upward and cover walls, fences, or unwanted views. This creates a natural screen that is both attractive and functional.

Use outdoor art panels to disguise blank walls

Decorative concrete screen wall with geometric cutout patterns, modern architectural element, repetitive angular openings, contemporary design feature
Image Credit: Laura Tancredi/Pexels.

You can easily cover plain or unattractive walls with outdoor art panels. These panels come in various designs and materials, adding texture and color to your space.

Installing them is simple and doesn’t require professional help. Plus, they create a focal point that draws attention away from eyesores and brightens your outdoor area.

Build a small pergola or garden structure around equipment

Outdoor patio with a wooden pergola, dining table with chairs, potted plants on the floor, colorful hanging plants, garden beds with flowers, stone flooring, cozy and inviting setting
Image Credit: Adobe Stock.

You can use a small pergola to cleverly hide outdoor equipment like AC units or pool pumps. It adds a bit of style while keeping things out of direct view.

Choose a freestanding design that fits your space without blocking airflow or access. Adding climbing plants can soften the look and blend the structure naturally into your garden.

Place decorative garden statues or birdbaths as focal points

A small ceramic dog figurine holding a sign that reads "FRIENDS ARE WELCOME HERE," surrounded by vibrant green plants and pink flowers in a garden setting
Image Credit: Sabalo22, CC0 / Wikimedia Commons.

You can use garden statues or birdbaths to draw attention away from less attractive areas. These elements create a charming focal point that adds personality to your outdoor space.

Choosing pieces that match your garden style helps them blend naturally. A classic birdbath or a whimsical statue can transform a dull corner into something inviting.

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