Are plants or shrubs able to be planted around an outdoor unit?
Yes. However, make sure there is plenty of room around the outdoor air conditioning unit so air can freely flow in and out of it. Ensure that the plants are well maintained to ensure that branches and leaves do not get stuck inside the unit. 9. Should outdoor refrigerative cooling units be covered during the winter months? Outdoor units are designed to withstand seasonal changes and for this reason they do not need to be covered. The heat pumps inside the unit operate all year round and if you cover them up, it may cause damage to the unit.