How To Hide Storm Drain In The Yard (Creative Ideas)

Storm drains are a vital component of any outdoor space, but they can be an eyesore that detracts from the overall aesthetic.

Fortunately, there are many creative ways to hide storm drains in your yard, from incorporating landscaping techniques to using architectural designs and outdoor decor.

By hiding your storm drain, you can improve the look of your outdoor space while still maintaining accessibility and safety.

Creative Ways to Hide Storm Drain in Your Yard

Planting Shrubs

Planting shrubs around the storm drain is a great way to camouflage it while adding some greenery to the yard.

Shrubs can be planted in a variety of shapes and sizes to create a natural-looking barrier around the storm drain. Some shrubs that can be used for this purpose include boxwoods, hollies, and junipers.

These plants are low-maintenance and can withstand different weather conditions.

Creating Garden Beds

Another way to hide storm drains in the yard is by creating garden beds around them.

Garden beds can be filled with colorful flowers, plants, and herbs to add a pop of color to the yard.

When creating garden beds, it is important to ensure that they are sloped away from the storm drain to allow water to flow freely.

Additionally, using mulch in the garden beds can help retain moisture and prevent soil erosion.

Using Decorative Rocks

Decorative rocks can be used to cover the storm drain and create an eye-catching feature in the yard. Rocks come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, making it easy to find the perfect fit for the yard.

When using rocks, it is important to ensure that they are placed in a way that allows water to flow freely into the storm drain.

Additionally, using a weed barrier underneath the rocks can help prevent weed growth and make maintenance easier.

Installing Decorative Grates

One way to make your storm drain blend in with your yard is by installing decorative grates.

Decorative grates come in a variety of designs, and you can choose one that complements your yard’s aesthetic.

For example, if you have a garden with a lot of flowers, you can install a grate with a floral design.

Decorative grates not only hide the storm drain, but they also add value to your yard.

They are made of durable materials, such as cast iron or stainless steel, and can withstand harsh weather conditions.

Building a Bench Over It

Another way to hide your storm drain is by building a bench over it. This is a great option if you have limited space in your yard.

You can build a bench that doubles as a cover for your storm drain.

When building a bench over your storm drain, make sure that it is sturdy and can support the weight of people sitting on it.

You can use materials such as wood or concrete to build the bench, and add cushions for comfort.

Creating a Faux Well

A faux well is a decorative cover that resembles a well and can be placed over the storm drain.

You can create a faux well using materials such as stones, bricks, or concrete. Make sure that the cover is securely in place and can be easily removed for maintenance purposes.

Installing a Bird Bath

Installing a bird bath near the storm drain can help to distract attention from the drain.

Bird baths come in various sizes and designs, so choose one that complements your yard’s style. Place the bird bath in a location that is visible but not too close to the drain, so it does not obstruct the drain’s function.

This way, birds can still enjoy the bird bath while the storm drain remains hidden.

Placing a Garden Statue

Another way to hide a storm drain is by placing a garden statue near it.

Garden statues come in different sizes, shapes, and designs, so choose one that complements your yard’s style.

Place the statue in a location that is visible but not too close to the drain, so it does not obstruct the drain’s function.

This way, the statue can serve as a focal point while the storm drain remains hidden.

Safety Considerations

When considering how to hide a storm drain in the yard, safety should be a top priority. Here are some important safety considerations to keep in mind:

 Accessibility

It’s important to ensure that the storm drain remains accessible in case of emergencies or maintenance.

Therefore, any cover or hiding mechanism used should be easily removable or have a quick-release feature.

Slip Resistance

The cover used to hide the storm drain should be slip-resistant to prevent any accidents.

One option is to use a grating or mesh cover that allows water to flow through while providing traction for people walking over it.

Weight Capacity

The cover should be able to support the weight of people and equipment that may need to cross over it.

This is especially important if the storm drain is located in a driveway or other high-traffic area.

Drainage Capacity

The hiding mechanism used should not interfere with the drainage capacity of the storm drain.

This means that the cover should not block the flow of water or create a dam that could cause flooding.

Code Compliance

It’s important to check with local building codes and regulations to ensure that any cover or hiding mechanism used is compliant. This can help prevent any legal issues or fines down the road.

Conclusion

The importance of hiding storm drains cannot be overstated. Not only do they detract from the overall look of your yard, but they can also pose a safety risk if left uncovered.

Children and pets can easily fall into a storm drain, which can result in serious injury or even death.

By hiding your storm drain, you can improve the safety of your outdoor space while also enhancing its overall aesthetic.

Overall, there are many creative and effective ways to hide a storm drain in the yard.

By following the tips and techniques outlined in this article, homeowners can keep their yards looking beautiful and well-maintained while also preventing potential flooding problems.