- 15 Ideas on How to Landscape for Privacy<\/a>
- 1. Wood Lattice Fence<\/a><\/li>
- 2. Vines<\/a><\/li>
- 3. Roof<\/a><\/li>
- 4. Privacy Hedges<\/a><\/li>
- 5. Privacy Fence<\/a><\/li>
- 6. Curtains<\/a><\/li>
- 7. Tall Plants<\/a><\/li>
- 8. Trees<\/a><\/li>
- 9. Gate<\/a><\/li>
- 10. Retaining Wall<\/a><\/li>
- 11. Shelved Barrier<\/a><\/li>
- 12. Raised Flower Beds<\/a><\/li>
- 13. Add a Water Feature<\/a><\/li>
- 14. Privacy Screen<\/a><\/li>
- 15. Trellis<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- FAQ About Landscaping for Privacy<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
15 Ideas on How to Landscape for Privacy<\/strong><\/h2>
1. Wood Lattice Fence<\/strong><\/h3>
![\"Wood](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Wood-Lattice-Flickr.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Field Outdoor Spaces<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> A wood lattice fence around the yard lets you get creative with the level of privacy you want. This flexible landscape design helps keep the kids and pets safe in the yard while also allowing you to share a friendly hello with the neighbors.<\/p>
But if you\u2019d prefer more privacy from lookers through the lattice work, consider hanging potted plants along the fence or adding greenery wrapping around fence posts and beams with ivy, climbing roses, or hydrangeas<\/a>.<\/p>
These plant solutions can add gorgeous texture and color to the fence while also offering an extra dose of privacy along your property line.<\/p>
Bonus:<\/strong> Lattice fences are also an ideal fence for areas prone to high winds<\/a>. The openings in the design allow air to pass through, so it is less likely to be damaged during storms.<\/p>
2. Vines<\/strong><\/h3>
![\"Privacy](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Privacy-Ivy-Pexels.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Vines add a classical, beautiful atmosphere to your yard while also providing privacy. Nothing says charm and elegance while drinking your morning coffee surrounded by green, flowering vines<\/a> and wearing your favorite slippers.<\/p>
Here are a few of the best flowering vines for privacy:<\/strong><\/p>
- Chocolate vine
<\/li> - Climbing nasturtium
<\/li> - Mandevilla
<\/li> - Moonflower (also great for a moon garden<\/a>)
<\/li>- Passion flower vine<\/li> <\/ul>
These plants will make such an excellent thick cover around your fence or wall that your gossipy neighbors will struggle to see (and hear) any drama going on in your yard.<\/p>
Vines like Boston ivy and creeping fig are grown on freeway overpasses to block out traffic noise, so covering your wall or fence\u2019s surface with vines will likely help absorb sounds coming from your yard.<\/p>
3. Roof<\/strong><\/h3>
![\"Landscape](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Landscape-Rooftop-Wikimedia-Commons.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Robert R Gigliotti<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> A privacy roof is a perfect solution to blocking the view of those neighbors living on the upper floors. A roof outdoors can serve as more than just a sky fence. It provides shade on those hot summer days and can be a great aesthetic complement to your outdoor living space.<\/p>
Consider hanging decorative lights or petunias (an annual that works well in the shade<\/a>) for a cozy evening in your outdoor space. To further beautify the area, start a rooftop garden<\/a> to bring greenery and life to an otherwise gray, lifeless view.<\/p>
4. Privacy Hedges<\/strong><\/h3>
![\"Privacy](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/vision-protection-hedge-pixabay.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> If you prefer a natural look for your lawn, then a living barrier may be just what you need. Hedge barriers<\/a> are excellent at absorbing noise, blocking wind, reducing dust, and encouraging wildlife to call your lawn home.<\/p>
A well-maintained hedge (aka living fence<\/a>) can invite birds and small animals while also protecting them from getting trapped in the lawn by a non-living barrier, like a fence. A clipped hedge with an eye-catching design can turn any yard into a charming, private space.<\/p>
Before calling your local landscaper<\/a> to have them plant your new barrier, note if the chosen hedge will lose its foliage during the year. A deciduous<\/a> hedge will lose its leaves each fall, though it still will provide some privacy. A hedge of evergreen<\/a> shrubs, however, will provide year-round privacy, even during your snowball fights.<\/p>
A few of the best plants for privacy hedges:<\/strong><\/p>
- Boxwoods<\/a>
<\/li>- Cherry laurels<\/a>
<\/li>- Holly<\/a>
<\/li>- Leyland cypress<\/a> (for large spaces)<\/li> <\/ul>
5. Privacy Fence<\/strong><\/h3>
![\"Privacy](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Privacy-Fence-Wikimedia-Commons.jpg\")
Photo credit: Privacy Fence<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ Public Domain<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> A solid fence can offer privacy solutions for homeowners with small spaces who can\u2019t afford to lose space to overgrowing barriers like privacy hedges or vines. While fences may have a less natural look, this can easily be remedied with a few shrubs and flowers planted along the sides to spruce up your yard.<\/p>
Wood is a popular material for privacy fences because it adds a more natural look to the lawn and can be painted or stained to match your style and taste. Privacy fences are also a low maintenance, yet more expensive<\/a>, option compared to a living plant barrier, which needs routine watering, trimming, and fertilization.<\/p>
6. Curtains<\/strong><\/h3>
![\"Curtains](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Pergola-Curtains-Pexels.jpg\")
Photo credit: Pexels<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Hanging curtains around your pergola, porch, gazebo<\/a>, or back deck can add shade and intimacy to your outdoor living space. Have you been attempting a romantic dinner outside, but the neighbors keep interrupting to share how \u201cadorable\u201d you two are? Time to turn date night into your<\/em> night and make it a private event. Draw the shades.<\/p>
7. Tall Plants<\/strong><\/h3>
![\"Tall](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Tall-Plants-Privacy.jpg\")
Photo credit: Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> If you\u2019re happy to have butterflies<\/a> and hummingbirds stopping for a visit, then tall plants, large bushes, and small trees can make a great barrier between you and the neighbors.<\/p>
A gorgeous barrier of tall sunflowers, ornamental grasses<\/a>, and stunning hydrangea bushes will give you a gorgeous view of something other than your neighbor\u2019s trash cans.<\/p>
A few tall plants that work well for privacy:<\/strong><\/p>
- Forsythia (up to 9 feet)
<\/li> - \u2018Green Giant\u2019 Arborvitae (up to 40 feet)
<\/li> - Lilac (up to 15 feet)
<\/li> - Pampas grass (grows up to 12 feet<\/a>)<\/li> <\/ul>
8. Trees<\/strong><\/h3>
![\"trees](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/7279671732_f813a0ff86_k-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: La Citta Vita<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY SA-2.0<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure> While serving as privacy and sound barriers<\/a>, trees also can provide plenty of fun landscaping opportunities. Why not make a tree stand out from the lawn with a gorgeous retaining wall or beautiful flower beds?<\/p>
Trees are great for privacy<\/a>, but they also can be the perfect spot to build a hammock, place a bench under the leaves, or grow a shade garden<\/a>. This living barrier also helps to promote clean air and control pollution.<\/p>
According to the Arbor Day Foundation, a mature tree will absorb more than 48 pounds of carbon dioxide<\/a> from the atmosphere per year. <\/p>
Here are a few of the best trees for privacy in your yard:<\/strong><\/p>
- Eastern red cedar
<\/li> - \u2018Little Gem\u2019 magnolia
<\/li> - \u2018Spartan\u2019 juniper<\/li> <\/ul>
Even better? Trees can add significant value<\/a> to your landscape and the resale value of your home. Trees are a wise investment, if you don\u2019t mind raking leaves in the fall.<\/p>
9. Gate<\/strong><\/h3>
![\"Privacy](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Gate-Pxfuel.jpg\")
Photo credit: Pxfuel<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Even when you\u2019re having an intimate conversation with a friend, Mr. Nosy Neighbor has no problem interrupting and asking why your lights were on at 2 a.m. A gate can be the perfect privacy solution for those neighbors walking onto your lawn without an invitation.<\/p>
Gates offer flexibility, enabling you to open or lock your entrance any time you choose.<\/p>
10. Retaining Wall<\/strong><\/h3>
![\"Privacy](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Privacy-Retaining-Wall-Flickr.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Redi-Rock International<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure> A retaining wall can create a stylish enclosure. Consider topping off your retaining wall<\/a> with raised flower beds, complimenting its stones with an elegant water fountain, or building it around your living space.<\/p>
A retaining wall is an investment<\/a>, but once it\u2019s installed, it is a low-maintenance barrier that also can offer excellent erosion control<\/a> on hilly terrain.<\/p>
11. Shelved Barrier<\/strong><\/h3>
![\"plants](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/negative-space-curly-tendrils-of-potted-plants-on-wooden-shelf-1062x708-1.jpg\")
11. Shelved Barrier<\/figcaption><\/figure> If you\u2019re going to put up a barrier, why not make use of its walls? Give your fence or wall some shelves, a living wall<\/a>, or hanging plants to spruce things up and make the most of your vertical gardening<\/a> space.<\/p>
Add flower pots, gnomes, or other small ornaments to the stands to give your yard some personality and charm.<\/p>
12. Raised Flower Beds<\/strong><\/h3>
![\"Raised](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Raised-flower-bed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: www.barfuss-junge.de<\/a> \/ Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure> Raised flower beds can be the perfect compliment to privacy panels. Why not do your gardening and get the privacy you need with this multi-use landscape design?<\/p>
Raised beds<\/a> makes excellent use of limited space where you can\u2019t have room for a separate garden and an enclosing barrier.<\/p>
13. Add a Water Feature<\/strong><\/h3>
![\"Waterfall](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/rsz_800px-waterfall_caversham_house_01.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Mitch Ames<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure> Turn your blas\u00e9 barrier into a visual interest with a sleek, modern water feature<\/a> design. Perhaps a wall with a fountain mounted in the center as a focal point.<\/p>
Not only will you add the comforting feeling of privacy to your yard, but you\u2019ll also experience an atmosphere of tranquility and calm.<\/p>
14. Privacy Screen<\/strong><\/h3>
![\"Privacy](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/privacy-screen-1-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Gary J. Wood<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> If you\u2019re not looking for an enclosure that surrounds your yard\u2019s perimeter, a privacy screen can be an excellent solution.<\/p>
Typically made of horizontal slats, a privacy screen stands near the living space you wish to remain private, such as a pool or small dining area.<\/p>
Privacy screens can either surround your private living space or simply be installed as a single panel that provides some separation between you and the neighbors.<\/p>
15. Trellis<\/strong><\/h3>
![\"Trellis](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Climbing-Roses-Trellis.jpg\")
Photo credit: Carmen Castells Schofield<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> A trellis is among the best ways to provide privacy for a designated space rather than enclosing the entire yard. Similar to a wood lattice fence, a trellis<\/a> can support self-climbing plants.<\/p>
A trellis adds charm and elegance to the yard and creates a gorgeous wall around your private living spaces. Nothing makes an outdoor evening dinner more romantic than a privacy wall of climbing red roses<\/a> or other flowering vines.<\/p>
Here are a few of the best plant to add along your trellis:<\/strong><\/p>
- Bougainvillea
<\/li> - Sweet pea
<\/li> - Trumpet vine<\/li> <\/ul>
FAQ About Landscaping for Privacy<\/strong><\/h2>
What are the Best Ideas for Backyard Privacy?Here are a few ideas on how to create a private, relaxing space in your backyard:
Is Building a Privacy Barrier Considered \u2018Rude\u2019?<\/strong>Fence etiquette is not uncommon in some neighborhoods. A privacy barrier can sometimes cause neighbors to assume an unfriendly or unwelcoming statement. But privacy barriers do not always mean \u201ckeep out.\u201d
How Tall Can My Barrier Be?<\/strong>Check your local building codes or homeowners association (HOA) to determine the legal maximum height of your barrier. Each city has its own fencing height regulations.
How to Block Those Prying Eyes<\/strong><\/h2>
Whether you prefer a natural hedge barrier that blends in with the environment or a customized stone retaining wall, a privacy barrier can add aesthetic value to your yard and match your style.<\/p>
- Bougainvillea
- Eastern red cedar
- Cherry laurels<\/a>
- Passion flower vine<\/li> <\/ul>
- 2. Vines<\/a><\/li>
- 1. Wood Lattice Fence<\/a><\/li>