Got A Propane Tank In Your Yard? Four Creative Ways To Make It Blend In
You love your propane heating system. But what you don't love so much is that big old tank sitting on your property. Why not follow the lead of many cities that are camouflaging their city service boxes? Here are four creative ways to make that oversize metal yard ornament blend in. On the options that require digging around your tank, make sure you know where your propane and other utility lines are located before you start.
Paint It
Painting your propane tank is one of the least expensive solutions. The only restriction is you must paint it a heat-reflective color unless you live in a really cold climate. Light colors, such as white, gray and most pastels, reflect heat. This keeps the propane tank from overheating. Consider this; if you are walking barefoot on concrete, which is usually gray, and you step on dark asphalt, what happens? You get back to the concrete ASAP because your feet are burning. Dark colors on a propane tank absorb heat, just like that asphalt.
Fence It
Hiding your propane tank behind a fence is another option. Since you are not covering the top of the tank or changing the color, you don't have to worry about overheating. Choose a fence color and style that complements your landscaping. For example, if you have an Asian-style yard, consider a bamboo fence. If your home has a country cottage look with a white picket fence, choose a white wooden fence, only taller. You can even mimic the "pickets" on the top. Be sure and leave one side open so the propane tank may be filled and serviced and to allow for air circulation.
Flower It
Some flowering shrubs grow tall enough to hide propane tanks, and then some. Hydrangeas are one option. These shrubs may grow between 3 and 20 feet high and 3 to 18 feet wide, depending on the variety. The flowers are giant balls that come in blue, pink, white or yellow, backed by blue/green foliage. Shrub roses are another option, growing up to 8 feet tall with a spread of up to 3 feet. You'll probably need at least two plants. Flowers come in blue, green, orange, pink or white. A side bonus is you'll have a ready source of fragrant roses to decorate your home. Another is that the shrubs help shade the tank. Whatever species of plant you decide on, be sure and check the growing requirements.
Berm It
A berm is an artificial hill, often used as a landscaping element. Putting one in front of a propane tank is similar to putting an eye-pleasing facade in front of a boring building. Put a mound of earth in front of the tank, enough so it is high enough to hide it. It's easier if you get a load or two of dirt delivered in front of the tank and have some willing friends to help you shape the mound. The easiest way to cover the berm is to use turf. Once the grass strips are in place you won't have to worry about erosion. They'll soon root and you'll have a nice green hill.
Contact a company like Northwest Propane LLC for more information.
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