Every yard has equipment, bins and storage. Designing for them deliberately is what keeps them from ending up beside the patio.
Make a list before designing
Trash, recycling and yard waste bins, and the route to the kerb.
Firewood, if you have a fire feature, kept dry and off the ground.
Tools, mower, hoses, cushions, pool floats and toys.
Pool equipment, irrigation controller and backflow device, HVAC condensers, generator, propane, well or septic access.
This list is longer than most people expect, which is why it is worth writing down before a layout is drawn.
Siting it properly
Group utility functions together on one side of the house rather than scattering them.
Keep them close to where they are used: bins near the kitchen door and the kerb route, firewood near the fire, hoses near the beds.
Keep them out of the main view lines from the patio and the front of the house.
Surface the area — gravel or paving — so it does not become a mud patch and so bins roll easily.
Screening without causing problems
HVAC units and pool equipment need airflow and service clearance. Check the manufacturer's requirements before building a screen or planting around them.
Meters, backflow devices, well heads and septic access must remain reachable, and some must remain visible for service. Never plant or build over septic tank lids or drain field lines.
Use evergreen planting, a slatted screen or a low wall, set far enough back that maintenance is still possible.
Remember plants grow. Screening planted tight against equipment becomes a problem in three years.
Details that make it work
Drainage: utility areas collect roof water, equipment condensate and washdown. Give it somewhere to go.
A hose bib and a light in the utility area are used constantly and cost little to include.
Gate width matters — a gate a wheelbarrow or bin cannot pass through will annoy you weekly.
Southern Style Turf & Design plans service and storage areas as part of full landscape design across the Lake Norman area, so they are solved rather than left over.
Frequently asked questions
How much clearance do HVAC and pool equipment need?
Follow the manufacturer's specification for that unit. Screening too tightly restricts airflow and blocks service access.
Can I plant over my septic drain field?
Lawn is generally acceptable; trees, shrubs and structures are not. Check with your county health department before planting near a septic system.
What surface is best for a bin and storage area?
Anything firm and level. Paving rolls best for bins; compacted gravel is a cheaper option for tools and firewood.
Want this looked at on your property?
We give free, no-pressure on-site estimates across Denver, Mooresville, Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville and Troutman.
