Building a slatted cedar enclosure for your trash cans hides unsightly bins and stops the wind from blowing them across your yard during a storm.
Trash cans left sitting against the side of a house are a major eyesore that ruins the look of a nice lawn. These heavy plastic bins often kill the grass underneath them and create a permanent mud pit that tracks dirt into your garage. Without a solid place to park them, the wheels sink into the soft ground and make it a real struggle to pull them out to the curb every week. This project solves the problem by creating a clean and dry parking spot that makes your chores much easier.
A dedicated bin screen keeps your utility area organized and prevents curious animals from knocking your trash over. The horizontal slats allow air to flow through so your bins do not get smelly in the summer heat. Adding a gravel pad around the enclosure means you never have to use a string trimmer against the delicate cedar wood. It turns a messy corner into a beautiful garden feature that makes your entire home look more expensive and well cared for.
You should start by digging out the top four inches of grass and soil to create a flat area that is slightly larger than your trash cans. Lay down a piece of heavy duty landscape fabric to keep weeds from growing up through your new floor. Fill the space with three inches of pea gravel and pack it down until it feels like a solid walkway. This gravel keeps your feet dry and provides a level surface so your bins do not tip over when they are full.
Build a simple three sided frame using cedar 4×4 posts and horizontal 1×2 cedar slats to hide the bins from view. Leave a half inch gap between each slat so the wind can pass through the screen without blowing it over. Secure the posts into the ground with concrete or heavy metal spikes to make sure the structure stays perfectly straight for years. Use a flexible metal edging strip around the gravel to keep the rocks from spilling into your green grass.
Plant some tall Karl Foerster ornamental grass next to the screen to add height and movement to the garden bed. Add white Annabelle hydrangeas and dark purple Palace Purple coral bells in the front to create a full and layered look. These specific plants are safe for dogs to be around so your pets can play nearby without any safety risks. Spread a thin layer of hardwood mulch around the flowers to keep the soil moist and stop new weeds from starting.
Check the tightness of your gate hinges twice a year because the weight of the wood can cause them to sag over time.
