electrical box in my front yard?

Question

Hi! I live in Canada (NE of Toronto) and we are moving to a new subdivision and having our new house built. Well, surprise surprise there is a big green electrical box on the front corner of my lawn. I think it will be on the other side of the sidewalk . We are located right next to a parkette. You would think they could of pushed it over in front of the park. Can you paint these boxes? Are we allowed? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Joanne

Answer 1

Here in Texas these are electrical transformers. That particular one may be supplying electricity to your home. We are not allowed to paint, screen, cover, or otherwise touch them without permission. typically these are placed within an electrical easement that belongs to the electrical company even though it is within your property limits. Typically within this easement, you may not do anything at all.

Answer 2

You can't cover it, painting really doesn't help, but you can screen with plants. The utility has to be able to get around all 4 sides and air must be able to circulate around. So do you planting on your side of the box. Moderate to low shrubs, mostly, but not all, evergreen will be fine. Leave the front open to keep the utility from getting upset. By the time you get shrubs around it in an interesting arrangement, not just a straight line of "x" it will be fine.

However, if the utility needs to get to all four side and your shrubs are in the way, good bye shrubs or they will be pruned back. Chances are, though, this won't happen.

Answer 3

I would guess you can't paint it - but you may not have to. A nice little garden around it can hide it from your view instead.

If you choose to do this, keep in mind that the utility company has the right to come tramping through your garden to maintain the box when necessary. For this reason, you'll want to use plants that can take the abuse. Ornamental grasses, taller-growing perennials (black-eyed susan, purple coneflower etc) and flowering shrubs like Spiraea will all spread out to disguise the view of this eyesore. they can also take quite a bit of beating, and come back later if the box ever does need maintenance.

Here's one publication that might get you started:
http://www.utextension.utk.edu/publications/pbfiles/PB1626.pdf

Answer 4

The box you are talking about is a transformer. Inside of it is what you normally see on the side of an electric pole. Be thankful that you have underground wiring instead of the old style ugly overhead wires.

You would need to ask the power company if you can paint it. Most people plant bushes around them but again you need to ask becuase there is also underground wires going in and out of it.

Answer 5

You will need to contact your electic company. More than likely you will not be able to paint it. You may be able to plant and island bed around it. Some companies will allow you to plant as long as you leave so much space around it in case of maintenance.

I planted an oblong bed along my property line. (My ugly box sits on the line and on both mine and my neighbors property.) I placed some ornamental grasses 2 feet in front of the box and used other perinneals in the bed. It doesn't totally block the box but it does a good job of masking it.

Good luck!

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Answer 8

Be it an electrical, or a communication box, it is the property of the company that supplies the service. Don't think that they wil allow for that. If your subdivision is still being built, then it is possible that it is only temporary.

Answer 9

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