Let's face it: Your above-ground propane tank is probably not a feature you'd highlight on a home and garden tour. It's a big, metal cylinder that, while essential, can be a major buzzkill for your yard's aesthetic. The good news is you can make it blend in seamlessly with your landscaping—as long as you do it safely. Think of it as a creative challenge to give your tank a clever disguise.

The Golden Rule of Camouflage: Don't Obstruct!

Before you start your mission to make the tank disappear, remember these vital safety rules:

• Leave Room to Breathe: The tank needs adequate airflow to prevent a dangerous buildup of pressure. Don't box it in tightly.
• Keep It Accessible: Your propane delivery driver and service technician need a clear, unobstructed path to the tank. They can't play hide-and-seek to get to the valves. Blocking access is a recipe for a missed delivery.
• Mind the Regulations: Check with your propane supplier and local codes for specific clearance requirements. They'll have the final say on what's safe and what's not. WARNING: It is illegal in some areas to completely enclose a tank or put a roof over it.

With those rules in mind, here are some fun ways to give your tank a makeover:

1. The "Stone Cold" Rock Cover

For a no-fuss, low-maintenance disguise, a rock cover is a popular choice. These faux boulders are designed to look like authentic rocks and are a great way to guard your tank against rust and the elements year-round. They can come at a steep price, but for a tank that looks like a natural part of your landscape, it might be worth it. Just be sure to get one that's easily removable so your propane guy can get to the tank when needed.

2. The "Naturalist" Look with Landscaping

If you've got a green thumb, landscaping is a fantastic option. A word of caution before you start digging: propane lines are typically buried about 12 inches, so it is extremely important to avoid hitting them. To be safe, make sure all plants and shrubs have shallow roots and are planted at least 3 feet away from the tank itself.

• Container Gardening: For a quick and easy solution, use several containers of varying sizes to screen the tank. Tall and thick-growing plants like Bougainvillea, Bamboo, or Mexican bluebell are excellent choices that create a great privacy screen without needing to dig near the tank.
• The Living Privacy Screen: You can also plant things directly in the ground, as long as you leave plenty of space for access. Fast-growing evergreen hedges like boxwood or dense shrubs like juniper and photinia can create a beautiful facade for your tank. Just let them grow tall enough to hide it.
• Trellis with a View: While you never want vines climbing directly on your tank, you can use a trellis to create a natural curtain. Plant fast-growing vines on a trellis installed on one or two sides to screen off the tank without blocking access. A few hanging pots with bright-colored flowers can also distract the eye.

3. The "Curb Appeal" Facades and Fencing

One of the easiest ways to make your tank easier on the eyes is to build a decorative fence. You don’t need to completely surround it—just a stretch of fencing can block the view from the house or the road, creating a little "hideaway." Bamboo screening, brick walls, or even rock walls can do the trick.

• Leave an Exit: It's especially important not to completely enclose the tank. Not only is it a safety risk, but it can also trap snow and make it impossible for your provider to access it during winter. Be sure to install a gate or leave a large access door—a five-foot buffer zone is ideal.
• Ventilation is Key: Fences are generally a better option than other enclosures as they allow for superior ventilation. You could even use a light tarp to protect it from heavy weather, as long as the enclosure is not permanent.

Don’t Just Hide It—Protect It

While you're finding the perfect way to disguise your propane tank, remember to shield what's under the dome. A decorative cover might improve curb appeal, but only a proper seal can keep out pests, moisture, and debris. ProDomeSeal is a simple, affordable solution that protects your tank’s most important components while staying out of sight. Add that final touch of protection and peace of mind to your propane setup.