The Best Hacks For Hiding An Unsightly Water Meter In Your Yard

Some things in life are necessary but not exactly nice to look at. Take, for example, water meters. They undeniably serve an important purpose, but they can be an eyesore in full view in your yard, either near a walkway or smack in the middle of a garden bed. Nothing really ruins the charm of a freshly landscaped yard or a carefully planned flower garden like a clunky metal or plastic box sticking out of the ground. 

You're not alone if you've ever looked at your yard and wished that ugly meter would disappear. Fortunately, you don't have to just live with it. There are simple and creative ways to hide a water meter while keeping it accessible for readings and maintenance. These hacks include using existing items that blend well with your landscape design. Think plant boxes, garden statues and figures, tall plants, or even privacy screens. These make sure that the water meter is out of sight while not sticking out like a sore thumb. You can even combine these methods to create a nice look for your yard!

But remember that utility workers still need access to the meter, so avoid anything that completely blocks it off. It's a good idea to check with your local water provider since there are places that require leaving a certain amount of clearance. For example, some guidelines suggest at least 2 to 3-foot clearance  around the meter.  To make access easier, consider using moveable and relatively lightweight items to cover your water meter from the start.

A well-placed and lightweight plant box with a bottom can make a water meter blend seamlessly into your garden while adding depth to your yard. It works by drawing the eye to something attractive instead of the meter itself. These plant boxes can contain colorful flowers, fresh herbs, or even simply decorative pebble rocks.

Choose a box that is tall enough to cover most of the meter but still light enough to move if needed. Wooden or metal plant boxes work well, but plastic is the most lightweight option available in a range of colors and styles. Aim for a size that provides good coverage without being too large or heavy to relocate when necessary. Position it to hide the meter from the most common viewing angles, like your patio or the street.

 When the weather is right for growing plants, be sure to pick varieties that grow full and lush but won't get too wild and overtake the box,  provideing good coverage while staying manageable. You can consider planting evergreen shrubs, ornamental grasses, or hardy perennials that stay lush year-round without being high maintenance. Compact flowering plants like petunias or marigolds can also remain tidy while adding visual interest.

Effortlessly hide your water meter and add personality to your yard with a decorative garden statue. The key is to pick something that feels natural in the space. For example, a small stone statue of a bird or even a cherub might work if your yard aims for a classic feel. A gnome or a modern abstract sculpture, meanwhile, can do the trick if the goal is a more relaxed or playful look.

The best approach for using a statue is to place it slightly in front or to the side of the meter. This ensures that it is out of immediate view. If the statue is heavy, just make sure it sits on a stable surface, like a concrete paver, so it won't shift over time. Consider anchoring it with stakes or a bit of landscaping adhesive if the statue is made of plastic or other lightweight material. You don't want to see your precious statue get thrown around by the wind!

Statues also have a low-maintenance advantage over plants that require regular watering and trimming. You just need to know some tips to clean up your outdoor statues to keep them tip-top. Give them a quick wipe-down now and then to remove dirt or moss buildup. The only downside, though, is that some statues can fade or crack over time. Opt for something made from durable materials, like cast stone or weather-resistant resin, if you live in an area with harsh or unpredictable weather.

Tall plants are another excellent choice if you are looking for a natural way to disguise your water meter. They work by creating a visual barrier that makes your meter disappear behind lush layers of greenery. They also soften the overall look of your yard by adding movement and texture.

The key to success with this method is choosing the right plants. Ornamental grasses, like fountain grass or maiden grass, are great options because they grow tall, stay relatively contained, and don't require much upkeep. Dwarf shrubs, on the other hand, can make your landscaping look great all year with their bushy, evergreen habit. It's also wise to choose plants that don't drop a ton of leaves or flowers right around the meter. The last thing you want is to constantly clean up debris just to read the water usage.

If you're worried about plants taking too long to grow, throw in a bunch of medium-sized plants to create instant coverage while the taller ones fill in over time. Remember, these should not be planted within a 1-foot perimeter of the water meter, while you'll want to check with your local utility board for requirements regarding tree or shrub planting distances. You can also use potted plants if you're not looking to get your hands dirty by planting them yourself or want to ensure you can move them as needed.

A tall screen not only adds privacy to your front yard but is also a great option if you're looking for a more structured and polished way to hide your water meter. It acts as a mini fence that creates a solid visual block. You can match them to the style of your yard or even your house's exterior since the screens also come in various styles, including classic wood slats and modern metal panels.

To go this route, just install simple privacy screens, like this two-pack of Enclo No Dig Charleston Cedar Wood Privacy Screens, directly behind or to the side of the meter. You can buy pre-made metal or vinyl panels at most home improvement stores if you want a no-fuss option. Alternatively, you can go the DIY route and hide unsightly areas of your backyard with a wooden trellis screen. Just be sure to mount the screen a few inches away from the meter rather than right up against it to make cleaning easier.

One of the best things about a privacy screen is that it can double as a backdrop for other decorative elements. Attach a hanging planter, add outdoor string lights, or even let climbing plants grow along it. This way, you can add an extra layer of beauty to your yard while hiding the meter.