How to Get Rid of Annoying Outdoor Wires Ruining Your Curb Appeal

Understand the Types of Outdoor Wires

Outdoor wires come in many forms, but the most common types are:

• Power lines: These thick wires carry electricity from the utility poles to your home. They can sag over time.

• Telephone and cable wires: Multiple thin wires are often bundled together on a strand coming from the utility pole. TV, Internet, and phone services use these.

• Low-voltage landscape lighting wires: These small gauge wires run from your home's exterior to outdoor lighting fixtures. They're barely visible when done right.

• Satellite dish wiring: Coaxial cables connect your satellite dish to your home for the signal. Improper installations can leave messy wiring.

• The most annoying wires are often overhead power and cable/telephone lines. Low-voltage and satellite wires tend to be less noticeable when installed correctly.

Evaluate the Severity of the Problem

Before taking action, determine how much of an eyesore the wires really are:

• Do overhead utility wires sag low over your driveway or walkways? This is a hazard and needs priority.

• Are multiple wire types crisscrossing from the pole to your home? The messiness negatively impacts curb appeal.

• Do trees and branches touch the wires? This looks messy and can cause service interruptions.

• Are any outdoor wires damaged or fraying? This is unsafe and needs to be fixed.

• Do satellite or landscape wires run messily along siding or dangle where visible? Proper mounting keeps these hidden.

The more severe the issues, the more value you'll get from addressing them. Prioritize fixing hazards and extreme eyesores first.

Short-Term Solutions to Improve Appearance

While you weigh long-term options, some easy DIY improvements can provide a quick curb appeal boost:

• Use wire wrap to bundle together overhead wire types into one cleaner strand. Black wraps hide wires best.

• Install wire covers that fully enclose the overhead wires in a plastic sleeve. Paint them to match your home.

• For low sagging wires, attach eyebolts into anchors in the ground and use wire or rope to lift and tie-off the sag.

• Use clips to tightly mount dangling satellite and landscape lighting wires against siding and fascia.

• Tree trimming opens up views and prevents wires from catching on branches. Hire a certified arborist.

These are lower cost, finer point solutions. For the most dramatic improvements, consider the following long-term options:

Bury Utility Lines for a Wire-Free Look

The gold standard is to bury overhead power, cable, and phone lines underground:

• The utility company must handle this for power and cable/telephone lines. Contact them to discuss options and costs.

• Expect high upfront costs, but it dramatically enhances curb appeal and property value in the long run.

• For a full wire-free look, also bury low-voltage landscape lighting wires. Use direct burial wire for this; it's more expensive than basic landscape wire.

• Confirm whether trenching and restoration will be your responsibility or the utility's following burial.

Underground utilities keep wires hidden and mitigate risks associated with storms, falling trees, animals, wear and tear, and ice/wind damage to poles and lines. The payoff is worthwhile for many homeowners despite the considerable initial investment.

Relocate Antennas and Satellite Dishes

Even if power and cable wires are buried, misplaced antennae and satellite dishes can detract from the property:

• Work with your TV/internet provider to move dish locations to more discrete areas. Attic mounts are optimal for hiding.

• Switch to streaming where possible to eliminate dish needs altogether. Though functionality may be reduced.

• If repositioning the dish isn't possible, use landscaping like tall plants or trellises to hide it.

• Paint antennae and dishes in a matching sky tone so they blend better when visible against the backdrop.

• For safety, ensure any dish relocation still allows unobstructed line-of-sight to the southern sky.

Keeping these wired services hidden goes a long way in showcasing a clean, wireless exterior appearance.

Use Wireless Alternatives to Reduce New Wiring

As you upgrade your home's technology and outdoor amenities, opt for wireless alternatives to avoid new exposed wires:

• Install wireless security cameras rather than wired models. Position them wisely to get power from interior outlets.

• Use a wireless driveway alarm system with battery-powered detectors to avoid trenching alert wires.

• Select solar pathway lights instead of wired low-voltage fixtures. Aficionados praise the clean look.

• Choose battery or solar LED lights for lighting tree and shrub accents rather than wiring each fixture.

Anytime wiring is needed, run it through existing hidden pathways like garden beds, beneath gravel or pavers, under deck boards, or behind rain gutters. Planning ahead keeps new wires out of sight.

With some elbow grease and strategic planning, you can tame the exterior wires cluttering up your home's landscape. A wire-free facade clearly signals a well-maintained and purposely designed property.