If you have an outdoor living area but feel slightly exposed, maybe it’s time to spruce things up. Even if you don’t have an outdoor living room, you may still think that someone might be looking into your windows. Or maybe someone looking from a higher floor of their house can see you hanging out in your yard.
Privacy is your right, and there’s nothing wrong with putting up barriers as much as you like. However, look out for regulations in your area because high fences might not be completely legal. Here are ways and ideas for you to add privacy to your exterior.
Add Layered Plantings
Planting more mixes of your evergreen trees, shrubs, and perennials adds a natural look to your property. The more plants you have, the better. If you have a large yard, you can layer plants as much as space allows you to, or it can be up to you.
Depending on the species, deciduous shade trees grow from 25 to 60 feet. Planting these kinds is an excellent way to limit a neighbor’s view from a high-story window or terrace. They provide a canopy of privacy and shade from too much sun. Their leaves will fall out in fall, and their bare branches will allow sunlight to shine through.
If you don’t have enough space to put up layered plants and trees, you can raise your plants or get kinds that are better for view-blocking. Grow them in raised beds or berms, and they’ll make your yard feel safe and secluded.
Grow a Hedge Screening
A hedge screening can provide you with all-year-round privacy and usually is not restricted by municipal regulations.
Depending on your choice of plant material, an advantage of having a hedge can reach your desired height. The downside is it can cost a lot to grow a perfect one, so lower your expectations. They require a fair amount of maintenance as well.
With the proper placement and choice of plant type, a hedge can be worth it and effective. If you choose various plants that can adapt to your climate, they will be easier to take care of.
Build a Pergola
If you want just a little privacy without blocking your yard view, try building a pergola. Its wood columns provide limited obstruction from the neighbors who might like to look in. You can add a pergola and place it covering an elevated deck.
A pergola is also perfect for small patios and outdoor kitchens. It can enclose them and create an intimate and safe feeling when eating or entertaining people indoors.
Add Plants to Your Pergola
If you’re considering bringing more privacy through a pergola, fill in its structure with plants. The crossbeams and poles make the best base for greenery to climb up. Once it’s completed growing, it adds coziness and shade to your outdoor area. While it takes time for the vines to climb to the most top, it’s going to be worth the wait.
Consider a Trellis
A trellis can easily block a neighbor’s view and create privacy in your yard. You can decide whether you want it simple or extravagant, store-bought or custom-made. Even if it covers, a slight breeze and sunlight can pass through without being too much. You can also add climbing plants or flowering vines. It can add a luxurious feel and design to your outdoor living space.
Hang Your Plants
Adding a vertical garden to your yard can be an excellent way to add privacy and customize your living hedge fence. You can fill it with herbs and vegetables or flowering plants that can overflow and add a brightening effect to your plain hedge.
No matter your choice of greenery, hanging your planters screens your yard from the outside and free up some space in your outdoor living area. Plus, this can be a fun DIY project with so many ideas and ways to do it.
Try Mixing Up Panels
Mixing different ways to add privacy and aesthetics at the same time can be a great way to make things less dull. For starters, you can update or install Trex horizontal fencing panels and add something else afterward.
Besides, there is no rule that you have to stick to one idea or one way to create an outdoor paradise in your home. So if you’re feeling creative or lacking, the best way to make it exciting and you will thank yourself for doing so while waking up to a beautiful sanctuary.
Whether you’re after aesthetics, extravagance, or privacy alone, there are a lot of ways you can do it. Although being too private and covered may cause a lot of attention and suspicion to your neighbors. Either way, don’t go too far.
