Reflected Heat from Gas Meter: Unlikely Culprit for Fried Plants

A west-facing gas meter is often blamed for scorching nearby plants, but a small metal meter rarely emits enough reflected heat to “fry” a 4-foot arborvitae. The house wall itself—especially stucco, brick, or light-colored siding—is a far larger reflective surface.

Diagnose the Real Cause

• Check soil moisture: reflected heat damage mimics drought stress.
• Assess irrigation coverage: corners often miss sprinkler overlap.
• Verify plant hardiness: ‘DeGroot’s Spire’ arborvitae is Zone 3–8; Siberian catmint is tough. Both should handle full sun if watered.

Practical Fixes

1. Shift plants 2–3 feet away from the wall—this reduces reflected load and improves air circulation.
2. Install a temporary shade cloth on the wall above the plants for one summer; if they recover, the wall is the source.
3. Wrap the meter with a non-flammable insulating blanket (fiberglass or ceramic fiber) only if the utility allows it—most prohibit covering meters.

Focus on the wall, not the meter. Relocating plants is the simplest, code-compliant solution.