How to Design for Privacy in Landscaping
Whether planning a small patio area or an expansive and lush backyard, privacy is important. When neighbors are nearby and are outside as often as homeowners are, it can be tough to feel like the space is truly theirs for relaxing. Everyone has their limits, after all. Backyards and outdoor entertaining areas are really extensions of the home, and they should offer some seclusion.
There are so many ways to form a creative, lush and private space even in the outdoors. Designers and landscapers have plenty of options to find the perfect fit for their clients. Go for multiple methods or center on one that totally makes the space.
1. Fencing
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While a regular fence works to draw a perimeter on a property or keep pets from roaming the neighborhood, it can also use fencing to create privacy. Designers can go for a high privacy fence, but they can just as easily find a semi-private fence. It all depends on the level of seclusion the client is trying to achieve.
While many full privacy fences involve around 6 feet of strict visual buffer, semi-private fences offer a few gaps here and there for light, greenery or anything else that can enhance the space.
2. Walls
If fences aren't enough, a wall can be built on one or all sides of the outdoor living space. Walls can bring dynamic structure to any garden or yard, even if they're just used for aesthetic purposes. While stone or brick can create the sound privacy clients might be craving, there are so many other options that are less likely to require heavy lifting and can still meet the budget.
Materials like wood, bamboo and recycled materials can all make creative walls. Another option is to make a living wall with plants to bring a more lush, green feeling to the yard.
3. Trees
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Planting a few trees can do wonders for creating beautiful visual privacy. When looking to plant anything large, it's important to prep the area properly. First, plan out the tree arrangement and properly clear the grounds to create space for new plantings. Older, less full trees can be chipped and recycled for other projects in order to create a better privacy wall.
Then, landscapers should dig appropriately and give the roots room to breathe so trees stay lush and full for years to come. While there are trees that fall more into the shrub family, like juniper and dogwood, there are also bigger, more cascading trees such as weeping willows and white oaks. It's all about where privacy is most needed.
If someone wants to create ground-level boundaries, shrubs and plants that crate lining are the best bet. If a client is simply looking to create a more private atmosphere, higher trees can work wonders.
4. Water Features
A water feature can offer a great deal of privacy. It isn't just about what the neighbors can see. It's also what they can hear — and the same goes the other way around. Sometimes trees, walls, shrubs and fences can't block out the chatter from the property next door. That's where a fountain, birdbath or waterfall comes in.
These features don't have to be overly fancy. They can be small and easy — just enough to provide some unique sound privacy. Plus, they look absolutely gorgeous against the backdrop of a well-curated outdoor space. They can be placed among the plants or flowers and offer homeowners years of enjoyment, as well as adding to the house's resale value.
5. Plants
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Plants can be perfect for creating specific, strategic privacy. If there's a gap in the fence or a thin spot between the trees, additional plants can make all the difference. There are so many ways to strategically place plants to create a bit more seclusion. Designers can hang them from macrame, create layers with trees and bushes, or even plant vertically on another structure the client already has up. The sky is truly the limit.
Create a Private Oasis With Clever Landscaping
A backyard, porch or outdoor entertaining space is an extension of the home, and it's meant to be enjoyed in peace. Sometimes, in order to create that feeling of solitude, a little extra privacy is required. No matter what the proper measures are for this particular project, designers can create the ideal world for their clients so they can enjoy the fresh air all day long.
Author’s Bio: This post was written by Holly Welles. She is a real estate writer and the editor behind The Estate Update. She’s passionate about the ways in which the industry is changing and loves to stay on top of millennial market trends. You can find more of Holly's thoughts on Twitter @HollyAWelles.
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