How Do I Disguise a Gas Tank With Plantings?

Choosing the Best Plants

• When disguising gas tanks or other large objects in the yard, there are several things to consider, such as soil conditions, weather, and the amount of sun or shade in the given area. You'll also want to decide if you want permanent planting solutions or a design that can be changed from season to season. For shrubs, trees, grasses and other perennial plants, look at the USDA Hardiness Zone map site in the Resources to determine the zone of your garden, then choose permanent plants that are hardy in your zone.

Permanent Plantings

• If you want little fuss but lots of coverage, consider a collection of dwarf shrubs, such as miniature evergreen shrubs or dwarf conifers that grow to a maximum of 7 to10 feet tall. Since these plants are such slow growers, however, you may want to purchase dwarf shrubs from a local nursery that carries larger plants. Some shrub roses can reach 3 to 5 feet, and a vast array of tall ornamental grasses can also provide great disguise along with eye-catching beauty. Many other flowers and plants of medium height, such as salvia, lavender and peonies can help to add character and color while providing camouflage.

Temporary Plantings

• If you don't want to commit to trees or shrubbery, there are myriad annual flowers and plants that can help to disguise eyesores. Taller flowers such as hollyhocks or sunflowers can provide a wall of color that can be altered or removed after the season ends.

Using Props with Plantings

• Small groupings of fence panels or trellises, covered with vining flowers can also help disguise gas tanks. Sweet peas, petunias and roses all flourish with a strong backdrop. Large containers can also be positioned around the tank and filled with a selection of voluminous plants, such as ferns or even miniature fruit trees.