Has SECO Energy caught up with you yet?

[coffeebean]

SECO Energy has informed us (via a door knocker) that we need to clear out the shrubs (hedge) that are in front of the transformer box that sits in the back of our property. SECO needs 10' of clearance in front of where the transformer box door opens and 3' on the other three sides of the transformer box. We will be hiring landscapers to do this job.

We were also told we need to clear 3 feet from the front and sides of our SECO meter which is located on the side of the house. We have to remove one shrub which is part of the hedge that runs along the side of our house to be in compliance.

We were informed that once we receive a letter stating that these shrubs must be removed, we have 30 days to complete the work. If we do not comply, our service may be interrupted. Have you been notified yet to remove shrubs in these locations on your property?

[rjn5656]

I know a neighbor who also had to do this.

[vintageogauge]

I guess if I planted around the boxes and meter and was later told to remove them that is what I would do. I'm sure it's a safety issue for their workers and meter readers.

[Dana1963]

SECO Energy has informed us (via a door knocker) that we need to clear out the shrubs (hedge) that are in front of the transformer box that sits in the back of our property. SECO needs 10' of clearance in front of where the transformer box door opens and 3' on the other three sides of the transformer box. We will be hiring landscapers to do this job.

We were also told we need to clear 3 feet from the front and sides of our SECO meter which is located on the side of the house. We have to remove one shrub which is part of the hedge that runs along the side of our house to be in compliance.

We were informed that once we receive a letter stating that these shrubs must be removed, we have 30 days to complete the work. If we do not comply, our service may be interrupted. Have you been notified yet to remove shrubs in these locations on your property?
SECO addressed this issue in 2019 thread.

SECO News, October 2019 – SECO Energy (https://secoenergy.com/seco-news-october-2019/)

[coffeebean]

I guess if I planted around the boxes and meter and was later told to remove them that is what I would do. I'm sure it's a safety issue for their workers and meter readers.

We purchased our pre-owned home with all the shrubs in place and very healthy and mature. I'm sad to remove that beautiful hedge in front of the transformer box but I do know it is for the safety of the workers. I certainly will not like looking at a transformer box from my window.

[graciegirl]

We purchased our pre-owned home with all the shrubs in place and very healthy and mature. I'm sad to remove that beautiful hedge in front of the transformer box but I do know it is for the safety of the workers. I certainly will not like looking at a transformer box from my window.

I may be wrong here but I think that you need only remove hedges from one side so the workers can stand and open the box if needed...unless yours are really covering the box??? We have been checked recently by them and we were o.k. to have them on one side.

[Marathon Man]

I may be wrong here but I think that you need only remove hedges from one side so the workers can stand and open the box if needed...unless yours are really covering the box??? We have been checked recently by them and we were o.k. to have them on one side.

Ten feet in front, three feet on the other three sides. Yours must have been far enough away that they could stay.

[coffeebean]

I may be wrong here but I think that you need only remove hedges from one side so the workers can stand and open the box if needed...unless yours are really covering the box??? We have been checked recently by them and we were o.k. to have them on one side.

The door to the transformer box must have 10 feet of clearance. My shrubs are well within that so they must come out. The other three sides of the transformer box must have 3 feet of clearance. Again, my shrubs are too close even on the side so they must come out.

[kendi]

I may be wrong here but I think that you need only remove hedges from one side so the workers can stand and open the box if needed...unless yours are really covering the box??? We have been checked recently by them and we were o.k. to have them on one side.

Yes, you are wrong. 10 feet in front and 3 on sides and back must be clear. SECO has been lenient in enforcing this previously but no longer. In extreme cases of noncompliance they will turn off your power. Just read this information in the latest VCDD news

[kendi]

We purchased our pre-owned home with all the shrubs in place and very healthy and mature. I'm sad to remove that beautiful hedge in front of the transformer box but I do know it is for the safety of the workers. I certainly will not like looking at a transformer box from my window.

Understandable indeed.

[LizzieBorden]

Yes I received a letter in the mail. I may have a door knocker...but I am not at my residence ....But I got a letter advising me of the same. I have to send a picture to them at the site they gave me showing I have corrected the area.

[Grill Meister]

Yep. I got the notice and had to remove the vegetation as specified. We certainly don't want those SECO techies endangered by bushes and the sort growing around those transformers. There could be most anything lurking in there....snakes, lions, tigers, giraffes...who knows what. They can working on my transformer in total safety now.

[jedalton]

SECO Energy has informed us (via a door knocker) that we need to clear out the shrubs (hedge) that are in front of the transformer box that sits in the back of our property. SECO needs 10' of clearance in front of where the transformer box door opens and 3' on the other three sides of the transformer box. We will be hiring landscapers to do this job.

We were also told we need to clear 3 feet from the front and sides of our SECO meter which is located on the side of the house. We have to remove one shrub which is part of the hedge that runs along the side of our house to be in compliance.

We were informed that once we receive a letter stating that these shrubs must be removed, we have 30 days to complete the work. If we do not comply, our service may be interrupted. Have you been notified yet to remove shrubs in these locations on your property?
yep same here

[coffeebean]

Yes I received a letter in the mail. I may have a door knocker...but I am not at my residence ....But I got a letter advising me of the same. I have to send a picture to them at the site they gave me showing I have corrected the area.

I'll be sending photos too when the work is completed.

[crash]

I may be wrong here but I think that you need only remove hedges from one side so the workers can stand and open the box if needed...unless yours are really covering the box??? We have been checked recently by them and we were o.k. to have them on one side.

No you are wrong you need 3 feet on either side and 10 feet on the front. They had me take pictures with a tape measure to show compliance.

[Dot Rheinhardt]

They can't turn off electricity during COVID-19. All utilities in State have made that agreement.

[Dilligas]

SECO Energy has informed us (via a door knocker) that we need to clear out the shrubs (hedge) that are in front of the transformer box that sits in the back of our property. SECO needs 10' of clearance in front of where the transformer box door opens and 3' on the other three sides of the transformer box. We will be hiring landscapers to do this job.

We were also told we need to clear 3 feet from the front and sides of our SECO meter which is located on the side of the house. We have to remove one shrub which is part of the hedge that runs along the side of our house to be in compliance.

We were informed that once we receive a letter stating that these shrubs must be removed, we have 30 days to complete the work. If we do not comply, our service may be interrupted. Have you been notified yet to remove shrubs in these locations on your property?
Yep. In our neighborhood (about 10 years old) they’ve begun replacing those boxes. Our shrubs were builder planted, but not within the posted distances.

[G.R.I.T.S.]

SECO Energy has informed us (via a door knocker) that we need to clear out the shrubs (hedge) that are in front of the transformer box that sits in the back of our property. SECO needs 10' of clearance in front of where the transformer box door opens and 3' on the other three sides of the transformer box. We will be hiring landscapers to do this job.

We were also told we need to clear 3 feet from the front and sides of our SECO meter which is located on the side of the house. We have to remove one shrub which is part of the hedge that runs along the side of our house to be in compliance.

We were informed that once we receive a letter stating that these shrubs must be removed, we have 30 days to complete the work. If we do not comply, our service may be interrupted. Have you been notified yet to remove shrubs in these locations on your property?

We were contacted by SECO regarding plants being too close (less than 10') to the box in the yard. We were later told only 3' clearance was necessary. I haven't heard about clearances around the meter. You may want to get clarification from SECO regarding exactly what equipment is referenced on your property.

[dewilson58]

I got the notice. I moved the box and did not touch the scrubs.



:shocked:

[steve1025]

Yes I also received the cleanup note. I hired someone to clear the area. Then I took a picture and sent it in and now I'm good.

[Joe C.]

If there is a transformer next to your property, or if it appears to be on your property, you should be aware that you do not own that area. It is a utility easement. Many people don't understand that. If you can, get a plat of your lot with all the measurements, and you will see exactly where your property ends. Many people plant shrubs around the transformers to hide their "ugliness", and in the end, have to remove them.
As far as having shrubs around your house and close to the electric meter, they have no say about that except if they need to be able to access it or read it.

[dewilson58]

If there is a transformer next to your property, or if it appears to be on your property, you should be aware that you do not own that area. It is a utility easement.


:ohdear:Hmmmmmm. A utility easement IS on "your" property.



What is a utility easement Florida?
An easement is a limited right to use the land of another. ... A common example of an easement would be to allow the Florida Power and Light Company to enter your land to provide utility services. Another example of an easement would be for the use of another's land to enter or exit their own property.

[skyking]

I had a door notice that a tree was too close to the front of the transformer box. I did nothing. About a month later they came and replaced the box with a shiny new one. They had no problem changing the boxes.

[bellbuoy8]

Will they supply the paint for the box? Ours is all stained, and faded. It looks terrible directly in the front of our house.

[dadoiron]

Will they supply the paint for the box? Ours is all stained, and faded. It looks terrible directly in the front of our house.

They are usually very agreeable and will let you know. Maybe they'll let you paint it?

[krdieter@aol.com]

Yes, we were informed of that a couple of years ago during the summer when we were not here. They actually removed the bushes, maybe things have changed?

[stan the man]

I got the notice. I moved the box and did not touch the scrubs.



:shocked:

was that a funny ????

[TandHSTAR@AOL.com]

Actually we were told this with all transformers (SECO and what is now known as DUKE) when we purchased 23 years ago. They need quick access to their equipement. Also air needs to circulate around the equipment the same as your AC unit outside.

[TorriJ]

Will they supply the paint for the box? Ours is all stained, and faded. It looks terrible directly in the front of our house.

Yes they will repaint it. Give them a call. It will be Lady Bird Johnson green. She specified the green color for pad mount transformers and the gray color for pole mount transformers years ago. Today’s trivia history.

[Joanne19335]

I guess if I planted around the boxes and meter and was later told to remove them that is what I would do. I'm sure it's a safety issue for their workers and meter readers.

I had to trim a very large hedge. I then had to send pictures to their website letting them know I was in compliance. I heard that they are going to start replacing the boxes.

[davem4616]

had a neighbor who one year decided to decorate the big green utility box that was on his property with colorful Christmas wrapping paper and a huge read bow

it looked nice, but it didn't go over that well with FPL

[Bjeanj]

We haven’t heard anything yet. Crossing our fingers.

[Judyh]

We have been here 16 years, several month ago SECO knocked on our door saying they were taking down some bushes around the box. They made a mess and just left it.
Two weeks ago a woman from SECO knocked on our door and told me I have to clean up the mess they left. I said they made the mess so why not they clean it up. She said they are not landscapers. I then hired someone to take out the stumps and clean the area then I receive a letter telling me to take a picture and send it to them. Not going to do it - they are sending someone to take the pictures.

[LynneH]

Over a month ago our District 4 rep let us know this was coming so that we would be prepared. Hats off to Don Deakin! He keeps us well informed.

[Newell28701]

Yes and I spoke to the gentleman when he came out and it says on the box that all bushes, etc must be placed 3 ft away from all sides. He explained that if they had to come out and hack through your plants - 1) you'd be upset 2) they'd actually walk away and whomever else in on that line would not have electricity either and therefore you'd have angry neighbors to deal with as well. 3) they can charge you $50 trip fee if you do not respond if they need to discuss this issue with you further.

Plain and simple, take the picture they request and send it to them to get them off your back. I did.

[kathy1516]

We received no letter and SECO cut our bush down without informing us. This happened several years ago. Since then the bush has grown back.

[kathy1516]

BTW, we did not plant the bushes. They were there for six years before we moved there.

[Byte1]

I bought a home that has a tree growing next to and over the box. I have been trimming it back every year to create clearance for workers, but it comes back. If they say that I need to cut the tree down, I will. "say la vie"

[perrjojo]

Many of our neighbors had trees planted by the developers 8 years ago that had to be removed as well as other shrubs. One I know had a $1660 palm tree approved by arc that had to be removed. These requirements are understandable but after 8 years it was a little hard to swallow when they were planted by the developers and new plantings haD ARC approval.

[Fenster]

I have never seen these boxes anywhere else but here. The Villages thinks of everything, but apparently not with regard to these unsightly boxes!

[Don5154]

Actually we were told this with all transformers (SECO and what is now known as DUKE) when we purchased 23 years ago. They need quick access to their equipement. Also air needs to circulate around the equipment the same as your AC unit outside.

Wrong.....SECO and DUKE are not the same power company

[coffeebean]

We were contacted by SECO regarding plants being too close (less than 10') to the box in the yard. We were later told only 3' clearance was necessary. I haven't heard about clearances around the meter. You may want to get clarification from SECO regarding exactly what equipment is referenced on your property.

My neighbor just happened to be in the yard when the SECO representative was on the property to check for compliance. The SECO rep told my neighbor that the one scrub directly in front my home's SECO meter had to be removed. That scrub was the end of a of Lugustrem hedge. The SECO rep also told my neighbor the three Lugustrum schrubs in front of the transformer box had to be removed. The door to the transformer box faces my property so there must be 10 feet of clearance to be in compliance. Good-bye shrubs!

These items which were relayed to my neighbor were also written by the SECO rep on a door knocker, complete with graphics and written instructions to be in compliance.

[coffeebean]

I got the notice. I moved the box and did not touch the scrubs.



:shocked:

Which box did you move? I wouldn't consider moving any of the utility equipment.

[coffeebean]

If there is a transformer next to your property, or if it appears to be on your property, you should be aware that you do not own that area. It is a utility easement. Many people don't understand that. If you can, get a plat of your lot with all the measurements, and you will see exactly where your property ends. Many people plant shrubs around the transformers to hide their "ugliness", and in the end, have to remove them.
As far as having shrubs around your house and close to the electric meter, they have no say about that except if they need to be able to access it or read it.

It was explained to me by a SECO phone representative, that the repairmen must have 3 feet to each side and front of the SECO meter to do a repair. If an arc happens unexpectedly, the repair person needs to be able to jump out of the way of the arc. I get it. I was happy to remove the shrub in front of the SECO meter.

[coffeebean]

Will they supply the paint for the box? Ours is all stained, and faded. It looks terrible directly in the front of our house.

The transformer box is in front of your house? I don't think I've seen any of those large transformers in front of any homes. They are usually in the back yards. On a main roadway with the back of the house facing the main roadway, is that the scenario you speak of?

[coffeebean]

We have been here 16 years, several month ago SECO knocked on our door saying they were taking down some bushes around the box. They made a mess and just left it.
Two weeks ago a woman from SECO knocked on our door and told me I have to clean up the mess they left. I said they made the mess so why not they clean it up. She said they are not landscapers. I then hired someone to take out the stumps and clean the area then I receive a letter telling me to take a picture and send it to them. Not going to do it - they are sending someone to take the pictures.
The door knocker requests that photos are taken and sent to them. That doesn't seem like too much to ask of the customer. I certainly plan to do that so they don't have to send someone out just to inspect the area.

[coffeebean]

I have never seen these boxes anywhere else but here. The Villages thinks of everything, but apparently not with regard to these unsightly boxes!

Welcome to our neighborhood with underground utilities.

[graciegirl]

Welcome to our neighborhood with underground utilities.

Well said. Usually every lot no matter where you live has an easement used by Utility companies. We may have to remove or move our bushes. It won't make us mad. It just is something that may need to be done. I wish people wouldn't give such a hard time to folks who are just doing their job.

[polirudb]

We planted small, low ground cover (Blue Daze) mainly to hide the ugliness of the three utility boxes (one power and two round cylindrical telecommunications) in our front yard. We were told that we had to remove the ground cover and that there needed to be a three foot clearance around the power box. They also told us it is clearly stated on the sticker on the box. Unfortunately for us, there is/was no sticker letting us know that. Additionally, the two telecommunications boxes are on two sides of the power box, approximately 6 inches away from it (so much for the three foot clearance). Lastly, there is not one power or telecommunications box on our block that is straight, level, or plumb. They all look like they were installed by someone who just left a local happy hour. Nevertheless, we removed the plants are are now hopefully in compliance.

[coffeebean]

We planted small, low ground cover (Blue Daze) mainly to hide the ugliness of the three utility boxes (one power and two round cylindrical telecommunications) in our front yard. We were told that we had to remove the ground cover and that there needed to be a three foot clearance around the power box. They also told us it is clearly stated on the sticker on the box. Unfortunately for us, there is/was no sticker letting us know that. Additionally, the two telecommunications boxes are on two sides of the power box, approximately 6 inches away from it (so much for the three foot clearance). Lastly, there is not one power or telecommunications box on our block that is straight, level, or plumb. They all look like they were installed by someone who just left a local happy hour. Nevertheless, we removed the plants are are now hopefully in compliance.

We also have two cylindrical communications utilities very close to the SECO transformer box. I had not even given it a thought that they are not in compliance with the SECO rules of clearance. That is funny!

[Juniper]

Seco left a door hanger yesterday without ringing my bell.
I would have appreciated an explanation while they where standing in my yard so I can comply. I was home.
If I’m to email pics of rectification, seco should first email me pics of my existing condition along w/ remedy.
My landscaping hasn’t changed in size or scope since it was installed in 2006.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

They can't turn off electricity during COVID-19. All utilities in State have made that agreement.

I believe that utilities can't turn off electricity for economic hardship only, lost your ability to pay due to a lost job due to the pandemic.

34.5 million households losing utility shutoff protections by Sept. 30 (https://www.cnbc.com/2020/08/27/millions-of-households-will-lose-their-utility-shutoff-protections-in-the-next-month.html)

Governors and public utility commissions in 32 states passed new utility shutoff moratoriums​ during the pandemic, which prohibited providers from shutting off utilities because of nonpayment.

I don't think that obstructing the easement falls into that category.

sportsguy

[coffeebean]

Seco left a door hanger yesterday without ringing my bell.
I would have appreciated an explanation while they where standing in my yard so I can comply. I was home.
If I’m to email pics of rectification, seco should first email me pics of my existing condition along w/ remedy.
My landscaping hasn’t changed in size or scope since it was installed in 2006.
I spoke with the person who signed my letter. He told me that SECO has been lax all these years with making sure their equipment all had easy access. I was also told that recently, there were a couple of accidents and their employees were injured because of the limited access to the transformer boxes. They are cracking down now and their plan is to have all of their equipment in compliance with easy access for their employees.

The door knocker I received had specific instructions and a diagram of what is to be fully compliant with the different types of equipment that SECO has throughout our community.

We complied. Took the photos and emailed them to SECO with the supplied email address. All done but now our view out of our master bedroom windows is not a nice as before. Oh well. That's the way the cookie crumbles. I feel better that the SECO employees will be safe if and when they have to work on the equipment.

[shut the front door]

Wrong.....SECO and DUKE are not the same power company

Maybe before getting so excited to call somebody wrong, read the sentence carefully.
He said "Actually we were told this with all transformers (SECO and what is now known as DUKE) when we purchased 23 years ago.

Referring to 2 different companies, one of which was known by a different name 23 years ago.

[JoMar]

Maybe before getting so excited to call somebody wrong, read the sentence carefully.
He said "Actually we were told this with all transformers (SECO and what is now known as DUKE) when we purchased 23 years ago.

Referring to 2 different companies, one of which was known by a different name 23 years ago.

23 years ago it was known as Duke Power......it was started by the Duke Brothers in 1904. I also read it as the poster was drawing a correlation between the two.

[CWGUY]

23 years ago it was known as Duke Power......it was started by the Duke Brothers in 1904. I also read it as the poster was drawing a correlation between the two.

:ho: Here it was SECO and Progress Energy..... Progress merged with Duke and became Duke here. :)

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

We planted small, low ground cover (Blue Daze) mainly to hide the ugliness of the three utility boxes (one power and two round cylindrical telecommunications) in our front yard. We were told that we had to remove the ground cover and that there needed to be a three foot clearance around the power box. They also told us it is clearly stated on the sticker on the box. Unfortunately for us, there is/was no sticker letting us know that. Additionally, the two telecommunications boxes are on two sides of the power box, approximately 6 inches away from it (so much for the three foot clearance). Lastly, there is not one power or telecommunications box on our block that is straight, level, or plumb. They all look like they were installed by someone who just left a local happy hour. Nevertheless, we removed the plants are are now hopefully in compliance.

I have a broken cover for the CenturyLink box/tower thing in my back yard. The wires are all exposed, and there are nests of bugs inside it. I called CenturyLink, got a few different people, none of whom spoke English as a first language and insisted that they couldn't help me without my account number. I'm not a CenturyLink customer, and so - I don't have an account number. They then sent me to Sales to set up an account. I tried explaining to them the situation and they had no idea what I was talking about.

Finally I just gave up. We can't mow the lawn near that thing, or even use the electric edger, because we don't want to cut those wires and risk - whatever happens when you cut CenturyLink box wires.

So it remains ugly, and broken, and grass-covered, bug-infested, and not my problem. I did what I felt was the right thing to do and they can't be bothered. If we ever get a notice telling us we have to clear out the area, we'll invite them to do it themselves. Or they can shut off the CenturyLink service that we don't have anyway :)

[tophcfa]

Cut the wires, accidentally of course. They will come and fix it once a customer reports an outage.

[Papa_lecki]

File a complaint with the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC); Consumer Complaints Form - Florida Public Service Commission (http://www.psc.state.fl.us/ConsumerAssistance/ConsumerComplaintForm)

Utility can not turn off power if you don’t remove landscaping - imaging if you have an oxygen machine that needs to be charged, and your utility was terminated for landscaping?
They are badgering you - the utility needs to respond to every complaint filed. A door knocker can be a scam, especially in a neighborhood with elderly residents.

[Marathon Man]

File a complaint with the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC); Consumer Complaints Form - Florida Public Service Commission (http://www.psc.state.fl.us/ConsumerAssistance/ConsumerComplaintForm)

Utility can not turn off power if you don’t remove landscaping - imaging if you have an oxygen machine that needs to be charged, and your utility was terminated for landscaping?
They are badgering you - the utility needs to respond to every complaint filed. A door knocker can be a scam, especially in a neighborhood with elderly residents.

... or, do the right thing and remove the plants that create a hazard for electrical workers bringing the situation into complaince with electric code (an actual thing and not a scam).

[CWGUY]

Cut the wires, accidentally of course. They will come and fix it once a customer reports an outage.

:ohdear: Or tries to call 911 for a fire or a heart attack...... and can't! Or a different scenario..... tries to make a tee time for a snow bird and 3 of his friends from up north and can't. :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl: I'm sure you were only joking but.......PLEASE DON"T CUT THE WIRES. :icon_wink:

[JoMar]

:ho: Here it was SECO and Progress Energy..... Progress merged with Duke and became Duke here. :)

I stand corrected...thanks

[tophcfa]

:ohdear: Or tries to call 911 for a fire or a heart attack...... and can't! Or a different scenario..... tries to make a tee time for a snow bird and 3 of his friends from up north and can't. :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl: I'm sure you were only joking but.......PLEASE DON"T CUT THE WIRES. :icon_wink:

Read the post before the one I responded to. My bad, I should have quoted it. And by the way, not funny.

[zmarkp]

Everyone in my neighborhood with a box got a notice. I had to remove several lovely shrubs. Luckily I can't see the ugly box from my house. Unluckily all the neighbors on my street can see the ugly box. I'll probably put in some compliant bushes later, but it's not super high on my priority list.

[OBRight]

I got the door hanger yesterday telling me 10' in the front and 3' on the other sides as others have said. I bought the house pre-owned with some sawgrass planted around the box so no problem I'll pull them. At the front I have a small decorative stone they want moved. Looking at it I thought for sure it was 10' away so I measured it. Nope, 9' 4" so since it was so small I just picked it up, took one step and set it back down. My question is what are they going to do with the Sumter County street light pole in between their box and my decorative rock that's only about 6' from their box?

[skip0358]

Yep got caught for sure. My Plants and my white cross in my back yard were to close so I had to remove them. No big deal.

[graciegirl]

No you are wrong you need 3 feet on either side and 10 feet on the front. They had me take pictures with a tape measure to show compliance.

You are right and I was half wrong. It is three feet on all sides. I have their diagram in my hand.

[WhoDat]

I think my house is within 10 feet of the box. I will measure tomorrow.

[coffeebean]

You are right and I was half wrong. It is three feet on all sides. I have their diagram in my hand.

Three feet clearance on the two sides and back of the transformer box is required by SECO. Ten feet of clearance is required by SECO in front of the transformer box where the transformer box door is located.

[photo1902]

You are right and I was half wrong. It is three feet on all sides. I have their diagram in my hand.

Nope.

[Vickim]

Yep same here, had a door knocker. Had to cut down 3 ornamental grasses that were there at least a couple years , we just purchased house 3 months ago. Fortunately the box is on far side of lot out of view of house . Had to email photo of compliance when work was done .

[graciegirl]

I guess if I planted around the boxes and meter and was later told to remove them that is what I would do. I'm sure it's a safety issue for their workers and meter readers.

My husband spent the last two days digging up three bushes that nicely screened the eyesore from our closeby lanai. He then filled the holes. The bushes were two feet away instead of the required three. In ten years no one ever was seen near that box, but we are rule followers. Hubs is all scratched up and his back is aching.

AND... That big ole' green box really is ugly to look at bare naked.