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Desperate Landscape: A Landscaping Primer for Primer Court DIY's Jason Cameron makes an ugly metal box disappear and helps a single mom spruce up a landscape with lots of flowers. From "Desperate Landscapes" episode DDSL-108

(Continued from page 2)

Project 2: Building a Picket Fence to Conceal a Transformer

The pad mounted transformer in Lori's front yard sticks out like a sore thumb. Jason's plans call for a three-sided fence to conceal it.

Safety Alert: Before building or planting anything near a transformer, check with your local utility company to find out its recommendations for allowing access to the transformer.

Before

After

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Steps:

• Measure the transformer and figure out how wide and tall you want it to be. Our fence is 42 inches tall.

• Use 4x4 pressure-treated posts (figures G and H) which will stand up to the elements.

  Figure G

  Figure H

  
  

  Figure I

• Using a power saw, such as a sliding compound miter saw, cut posts and rails to desired height (figure I).

  Safety Alert: Always wear eye protection and follow proper safety precautions when working with power tools or pneumatic tools.
  

• Attach rails to posts using a pneumatic framing gun and galvanized nails (figures J and K).

  Figure J

  Figure K

  
  

• Attach pre-cut pickets with 18 gauge stapler (figures L and M). We lined up our pickets side-by-side to conceal the transformer.

  Figure L

  Figure M

  
  

We discovered mildew on Lori's siding where we removed some plants (figures N and O). The solution involves using the proper type of cleaner — and plenty of elbow grease.

Figure N

Figure O

Steps:

• Use a house wash to clean the aluminum siding (figure P).

• Use soft-bristled brushes when cleaning siding (figure Q)to avoid scratching the siding.

• Scrub.
  
  
  

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  RELATED PROJECTS: Desperate Landscape: A Battle of Walls Desperate Landscape: Strike Up the Band Desperate Landscape: Creating a Garden Spot on Garden Road Desperate Landscapes: Cooking Up a New Look Build a Fence: Custom Picket Fence Custom Picket Fence Installing a Picket Fence Q&A: Soil Testing, Perennial Chrysanthemums, Full-Sun Houseplants, Poison Ivy Removal

  
  

  ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
  	Desperate Landscape: A Landscaping Primer for Primer Court