7 Tips for Landscaping Around Your AC Installation in Hoover, AL

Having an air conditioner is a must in Hoover, AL, because of the heat and humidity that hit the city. That doesn’t mean you need to deal with a bulky or ugly outdoor unit that takes up a lot of space or worry about your landscaping damaging it. Here are some great tips for landscaping around your AC installation:

Keep Some Shade

While you need a clear area around the unit, try keeping some shade, too. Whether it’s a few bushes or shrubs nearby or a couple of large trees, they block out the sun. This helps the unit stay cool, resulting in better temperature control inside and fewer repairs.

Maintain Clearance

Whether you pick a ductless AC mini-split or another type of system, always maintain 2 to 3 feet of clearance around the outdoor unit. If you have trees or larger plants nearby, maintain 5 feet of clearance over the top of the unit.

It’s also helpful to check the trees for droopy branches or dropped fruits and nuts. Not only can dropped hazards dent the case, but those objects can keep the AC from running as efficiently as it should.

Consider a Windbreak

A windbreak refers to a series of shrubs or plants that block the wind and keep it from whipping against a surface or object. It’s a great addition to your landscaping, especially in the fall and winter when the area gets plagued by intense storms.

Evergreen shrubs and bushes are usually the best option because they don’t require a lot of maintenance and look good year-round. Examples include boxwood, cypress and spruce. Another benefit of using evergreen trees is that they don’t drop their leaves or needles in the cooler months.

Add Pavers

Concrete pavers come in different sizes and styles to match any lawn or home. They’re great for creating a fun patio for entertaining, a simple walkway through your yard, or an accent in your garden. Pavers also help you cut down on the maintenance your lawn needs.

Choosing pavers made from concrete, brick, or natural stone also adds a protective element to the AC unit. When properly installed, they prevent weeds from taking over your yard and keep the weeds from growing into the unit. You can also add a decorative touch with raised beds made from pavers.

Pick the Right Plants

Picking the right plants is also helpful because the wrong ones can clog the system. For example, a cherry tree, which creates gorgeous blossoms, also releases pollen that can get inside the outdoor unit and clog some of its working parts.

Also, stay away from trees that have large root systems. Not only can the roots clog your sewer line and get into your pipes, but they can also get into the unit and damage one or more parts.

Add a Cover

If you want to protect your cooling unit and keep it out of the way, add a cover. It’s easy to create one from scratch from lattice pieces you connect together. The cover can hide up to three sides of the unit, but keep one side open to allow for good ventilation.

You can also cover the unit with a trellis, but be wary about using flowering plants on it. Vines are a better choice because you can cut them back as they grow and they won’t produce pollen or flowers.

Use Container Plants

Container plants are a great option because you can swap them out every season or move them when a technician needs access to the unit. You’ll even find some containers with wheels on the bottom for better and faster mobility.

Using one or more of these tips is a good way to landscape around your outdoor unit and protect the AC installation. If you need help installing, repairing or choosing a new air conditioner, reach out to Air Experts for AC services in Hoover, AL.

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