How to Hide Unsightly Electrical Cords in Your Yard

Hiding electrical cords in your yard can seem like a daunting task, but with some planning and DIY tricks, you can discreetly conceal those unsightly wires. Here are some tips for making your outdoor spaces look tidy and cord-free.

Evaluate Your Electrical Needs

Before deciding how to hide your cords, first take stock of what you need powered outdoors. Consider:

Outdoor lighting - Path lights, spotlights, string lights etc. Make a map of where everything is located.
Outlets - For plugging in tools, appliances, decorations. Note outlet locations.
Low voltage lighting - Landscape and accent lighting running off a transformer.
Fountain/pond pumps - Cords will need to reach pump location.
Holiday lights - Seasonal needs.

Once you know what needs to be powered and from where, you can plan optimal cord routing.

Choose Unobtrusive Pathways

When running cords, take advantage of these discrete locations:

Along the base of fences/walls - Use insulated cable clips.
Under deck boards - Drill holes in rim joists to thread wires.
Through landscape beds - Bury underground in conduit.
Inside garden structures - Trellises, pergolas etc.
Through trees/shrubs - Use insulated staples.
Along roof/eave lines - Tuck neatly under trim.
Inside weatherproof outdoor boxes - For outlets and connections.

Consolidate cords from multiple lights/devices into a single, hidden pathway.

Bury Cables Underground

For a seamless look, bury cables under ground inside PVC or flexible conduit:

Use direct burial cable rated for underground use.
Lay pipes below frost line, at least 18 in. deep.
Avoid areas prone to digging/construction.
Mark locations with colored flags or spray paint for future reference.

Burying eliminates above-ground tripping hazards and creates an invisible power source.

Plant Strategically for Concealment

Flowers, shrubs, and ornamental grasses can discretely hide cords when planted in key locations:

Place tall plants like bamboo or small trees in front of cords attached to walls.
Border pathway lights with low groundcover plants.
Use groupings of ferns or hostas to mask junction boxes.
Plant vine-covered trellises or arbors to hide overhead wires.

Proper landscaping design keeps cords out of sight but accessible for maintenance.

Use Decorative Raceways

For a decorative approach, conceal cords inside wrapping raceways:

PVC raceways - Affordable, durable option in white or colors.
Vinyl coil covers - Flexible wraps adhere to surfaces.
Bronze/aluminum - High-end finished look.
Match raceway color to wall/trim.
Use flat raceways for a lower profile.
Only cover cords needed for power - reduce clutter.

Raceways neatly organize cords and complement outdoor aesthetics.

Incorporate Cord Management into Design

With some creative planning, you can entirely integrate cord control into your yard and minimize visible wiring:

Install lights at alternate low voltages (12V or 24V).
Connect fixtures with low voltage landscape cable and concealed transformer.
Power water features from central pump location.
Build an outdoor entertainment center or kitchen to consolidate outlets and hide connections.
Hire an outdoor AV specialist to oversee immaculate wiring installations.

A holistic approach considers electrical needs from the start for a clean look.

With some advance planning and strategic concealment tactics, you can keep your yard's lovely landscape the focal point - not a tangle of cords. Proper cord management keeps your space looking refined, polished and professionally designed.