If you’re looking to disguise or cover an oil tank, consider planting low-maintenance, shallow-rooted, and non-invasive plants. You want to avoid plants with deep or aggressive root systems that could potentially damage the tank or its connections. Here are some suggestions for plants that can be used to cover an oil tank:
Ornamental grasses: Choose low-growing, clumping grasses that add texture and movement without becoming too large or invasive. Examples include Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca), Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra), and Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium).
Groundcovers: Low-growing groundcovers can help camouflage the area around the tank. Consider plants like Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum), Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia), or Sedum (Sedum spp.).
Dwarf or compact shrubs: Small, slow-growing shrubs can provide coverage without overwhelming the space or posing a risk to the tank. Examples include Dwarf Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens ‘Suffruticosa’), Compact Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata ‘Compacta’), or Dwarf Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria ‘Nana’).
Perennials: Low-growing and non-aggressive perennials can add color and interest around the tank. Consider plants like Coral Bells (Heuchera spp.), Lavender (Lavandula spp.), or Salvia (Salvia spp.).
Container plants: If you want more flexibility, consider planting a variety of plants in containers and arranging them around the tank. This allows you to change the plants seasonally or as needed and avoids potential damage to the tank from root systems.
When planting around an oil tank, keep in mind that you need to maintain access to the tank for inspections, maintenance, and refilling. Avoid planting anything that would obstruct or hinder access to the tank. Also, consider the mature size of the plants you choose to ensure they won’t become too large or invasive for the space.
