Is It OK to Plant Tall-Growing Plants Near My Generator? 

While a home standby generator is certainly an asset and something that can improve your comfort and peace of mind in the event of an outage, there is no doubt that a generator isn’t the most beautiful thing to look at. In fact, some people may even describe residential generators as an eyesore! While we wouldn’t go that far, we do recognize that you may want to hide your generator by planting tall-growing plants or shrubs around it. Here’s what you should know about planting tall-growing plants near your generator:

Can I Plant Around My Generator?

If you’re looking to hide your generator with tall plants, you’re in luck! Shrubbery, tall grasses, flowers, and other flora can be a great way to hide a generator. However, there are some things you should know:

• You’ll want plenty of clearance—While you may want to plant plants as close as possible to the generator, keep in mind that you do need at least 36 inches of clearance around the generator in all directions. This is a safety issue. If plants start encroaching on the 36” limit, be sure to prune and trim as appropriate.
• Consider drainage issues—When planting anything in your yard, it’s important to consider drainage issues, especially if you’re planting near a generator that requires electricity! Make sure you have soil that drains well (add compost to improve this!). It’s also advised that your generator is placed on a concrete slab or gravel to avoid direct contact with water that may pool on the ground. 
• Do your research first—before planting just anything, do a little research to determine what may thrive in your yard based on the location of your generator, including lighting, temperature, and drainage. Planting shrubs that produce bright blooms can be a great way to liven up the space and distract from the generator. Shrubs are a great choice because they grow tall enough to block a generator from view, too. Finally, keep in mind that having access to the generator is important, so be sure you don’t block it off entirely with plants!

Call Generator Technologies Inc. Today to Learn More

If you have questions about generator installation, maintenance, or how to care for your generator, don’t hesitate to call Generator Technologies Inc. for the services you can trust. You can reach our team by phone or online at your convenience to get started. We look forward to working with you!