Plants To Hide Garbage Cans

We all have them, but nobody wants to see them. Those big plastic bins can really spoil the look of a lovely garden or patio. If you’re looking for clever ways to use plants to hide garbage cans, you’re in the right place. With some smart planting, you can create a beautiful, living screen that blends function with natural beauty.

This guide gives you practical steps to conceal those bins effectively. We’ll cover plant selection, layout ideas, and simple building tips. You can create a solution that fits your space and style.

Choosing the right plants is the most important step. You need varieties that grow dense and tall enough to cover the bins year-round. The goal is a living wall that requires minimal upkeep while doing its job perfectly.

Selecting the Best Plants for the Job

Think about your climate and how much sun the area gets. Evergreens are a top choice because they provide cover in every season. Fast-growing shrubs can give you quick results, while ornamental grasses add movement and softness.

Here are some excellent plant choices for screening:

Arborvitae: A classic, dense evergreen that comes in many columnar sizes. It’s reliable and low-maintenance.
Bamboo (Clumping): Grows very fast and forms a tall, elegant screen. Always choose clumping types, as running bamboo can invade your whole garden.
Holly Shrubs: Their thick, glossy leaves offer great coverage. Some varieties have beautiful berries, too.
Privet: This shrub can be trimmed into a neat hedge. It grows quickly and tolerates regular pruning well.
Tall Ornamental Grasses: Like Miscanthus or Pampas Grass. They create a softer, textured screen that sways in the wind.
Climbing Roses or Ivy on a Trellis: If you have a fence or structure, let climbers cover it for a pretty, vertical solution.

Planning Your Bin Screen Layout

Before you buy any plants, take some measurements. You need to know the width and hight of your bins, including space to open the lids and move them out. A good rule is to plan a planting area that’s at least 4 feet deep. This gives roots room to grow and allows plants to spread out.

Consider a curved bed instead of a straight line. It often looks more natural and integrates better into the garden. If space is tight, a simple row of tall pots with evergreens can be a mobile and effective screen.

Adding Structure with Hardscaping

Sometimes plants need a little help. Combining them with simple structures creates a stronger visual block and supports climbing plants.

A Simple Lattice Panel: Attach it to posts set in the ground. Plant climbers like jasmine or clematis at its base.
A Post-and-Rope Screen: Rustic and easy to build. Use sturdy posts with horizontal ropes for sweet peas or morning glories to climb.
Decorative Fence Panels: Place these between shrubs for instant coverage while your plants fill in.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Follow these steps to ensure your plants thrive and create a lasting screen.

Prepare the Ground: Clear all weeds and grass from the area. Loosen the soil deeply and mix in some compost or planting mix. Good soil means healthier plants.
Arrange Your Plants: While they’re still in their pots, place them where you think they should go. Stagger them in two rows for a denser screen, with the back row slightly higher if you’re on a slope.
Mind the Spacing: Check the plant tag for the mature width. Give them enough space to grow without crowding, but close enough so they’ll eventually touch. This is a common mistake people make.
Plant and Water: Dig holes twice as wide as the root ball. Place the plant in, backfill with soil, and water it thoroughly. Add a layer of mulch to retain moisture and supress weeds.

Ongoing Care and Maintenance

Your new screen will need some attention, especially in the first few years. Regular watering is crucial until the plants are established. A slow-release fertilizer in the spring will encourage strong growth.

Pruning keeps your screen looking tidy and encourages bushier growth. For formal hedges, you might trim a few times a season. For a more natural look, just do a yearly shaping. Remember to always keep the path clear for accessing the bins—function is just as important as form.

Solutions for Small Spaces

Don’t have room for a big planting bed? You can still use plants to hide garbage cans effectively.

Tall, Narrow Pots: Use large containers with upright plants like Sky Pencil Holly or columnar junipers. You can move them if needed.
Hanging Baskets: Mount them on the wall or fence above the bins. Trailing plants like ivy or petunias will draw the eye upward.
A Mobile Trellis: Build a lightweight trellis in a planter box. Grow annual vines like morning glories, and you can wheel the whole setup around.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, its easy to make a few errors. Here’s what to watch out for:

Planting Too Close: Crowded plants compete for light and nutrients. They become leggy and thin at the bottom, defeating the purpose.
Forgetting About Access: Leave a clear opening or gate in your screen. You need to get the bins out to the curb easily.
Ignoring Growth Rate: Impatient? Fast-growing plants often require more pruning and can become messy. Mixing in some slower, steadier growers creates a better long-term structure.
Choosing Invasive Species: Always research first. Plants like running bamboo or certain ivies can take over your garden and your neighbors.

FAQ: Concealing Waste Bins with Plants

What are the fastest-growing plants to screen bins?
Clumping bamboo, privet, and some willow shrubs grow very quickly. For annual coverage, tall sunflowers or fast-growing vines like hops can work for a single season.

How do I hide my garbage cans in a shady spot?
Choose shade-tolerant evergreens like certain yews, aucuba, or skip laurel. Hostas and ferns in front can add lower fullness where light is limited.

Can I use potted plants to screen bins?
Absolutely. Large, heavy-duty pots with dwarf conifers or ornamental grasses are perfect for small patios or rental properties where you can’t plant in the ground.

How tall should the plants be?
Aim for plants that will mature at least 6 inches to 1 foot taller than the bins you are trying to conceal. This ensures they stay hidden from most viewing angles.

Will the smells affect the plants?
Generally, no. As long as your bins have secure lids, there should be no issue. Good air circulation around the bins and the plants is more important for health.

With these tips, you’re ready to tackle that eyesore. A well-planned planting not only hides the bins but also adds greenery, privacy, and habitat for birds and bees to your garden. It’s a simple project that makes a big difference in how your outdoor space feels every day.