off C3D topic question

[Hidden_Brain]

sorry to be asking a off-topic question here, wanted to get thoughts of the experienced folks on an issue.

I have a project where I have manholes covers and covers for underground detention access ports. the neighbors do not want to see these covers in the middle of grass/yard areas. any ideas what I can do to hide them? paint them green?

[AllenJessup]

I can't think of anything realistic. Can't suggest burying them. That leads to too may problems. I suppose if the owners of the property were willing to put fake rocks over them that might be OK. It's nice to cooperate with the neighbors - but - You can't always get what you want.

Are these people looking at the area from a height. You usually don't see manholes until you're right on top of them.

Allen

[Neilw_05]

I would consider burying them as an option, but only if there are no other acceptable solutions.. It's been done.

You might also find a way to make a cover for the lids out of some artificial grass or other landscape material.

[Hidden_Brain]

the neighbor looks out of his 2nd floor balcony and sees the covers. i think he does not like the "black dots in green" look. like you said, we are also a bit hesitant to bury them, which can make maintenance (and finding/locating them) a bit difficult. I like your putting rocks idea.

[AllenJessup]

Some of the artificial rocks don't look too horrible nowadays.

You'd need a selection so there weren't half a dozen identical rocks. But it might work.

Allen

[fcernst]

Right, paint it, but have this guy do it.

[Neilw_05]

Frankly I don't see how little circles of landscape rocks is any better looking than a bare manhole lid, unless the surroundings are rock as well.

Too, if I were a the one who had to open the manhole. I'd rather pop off a slab of turf vs. scooping and replacing a bunch of little stones.

[dgorsman]

They can always have a choice: manhole or plastic Santa.  Ahhh, first-world problems...

[n2itive]

How about adhering some type of artificial turf or carpet?

[Murph_Map]

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@n2itive wrote:

How about adhering some type of artificial turf or carpet?

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I can see that now. Why is the grass greener over there, is that where your septic tank is?

[AllenJessup]

I wasn't suggesting a bunch of stones. One big resin fake boulder that can easily be lifted off. You can do-it-yourself with a frame, chicken wire and mortar. But that ends up being heavy. The manufactured boulders are purpose made for this kind of thing and are light enough for one person to move.

My neighbor used mortar to create one to cover his chimney. It took six of us to move it.

Allen

[Neilw_05]

I agree that would be a better solution.

[Joe-Bouza]

Optics!
Paveing stones that appear to go to a destination. Landscaping around them?  undulating berms they can be hidden - poke a landscape arch they can be very creative folks

Its an ancient majicians trick; distract the eye away

[sboon]

What about shrubbery or other plantings?  You could also spread some bark mulch or decorative rock around the base of the shrubs to hide the covers.

Steve
Please use the Accept as Solution or Kudo buttons when appropriate

[Joe-Bouza]

anything and everything for sure.

[tmactom]

Give them a real estate flyer