I think that YOU see the utility pole, but others do not. By planting anything NEAR it, you draw attention to it. Instead, plant something between your home and the pole, but not in line with it. It will draw your eye, drawing your attention, instead of the pole. But, seriously, you shouldn’t really plant anything too close to the pole. Is it carrying your power lines? Communication lines? You don’t want anything near it that could compromise your power, etc.

Can you paint it when the utility companies aren't looking (and deny you did it if someone asks)?

I agree with Fori. Paint it a dull brown, it will practically disappear.

callirhoe: I'll grab a photo tomorrow and post it.

ptreckel: Interesting. This is what we a bit concerned about.

Fori, girlnamedgalez8a: Funny! Not sure we are down with painting the pole. But thanks for the response!

Paint the pole. If you maintain the easement, the utility company can be quite agreeable.

We're not joking! :)

And…how do you paint all the way up to the top of the pole where the power lines are located?

Carefully.

Camouflage painting is the first thing I thought. That or a flower pattern dress but I'd go with using water based exterior wood stain and a pressure washer with a 0 degree tip. Hit it with a base color followed up with a couple of other camouflage colors. When finished run water through the washer until clean and no need to do the back side of the pole.

Thanks for all the pole-painting ideas.

Any thoughts about the potential plantings mentioned in the original post?

Thanks again.

The arb might help, depending which arb it is. The spruce won’t help much at all. Where are you located?

tj

Ok. Let's play hide the pole with good landscaping.. You have shown us one single viewpoint of the pole looking out from the house. You need to identify the most important, to you, sight lines (views) you want to screen. What is the pole's relationship to all of the surroundings? Where do you live, approximate is good enough?