If you’re like most of us, you really want your backyard to be your own private sanctuary. There are few things more unsettling than going outside to enjoy some sun than noticing that all eyes from next door are on you. Even if you have a larger backyard where the neighbors aren’t very close by, they may be able to see you and your guests from an elevated deck or second-story window.
We have a solution: privacy landscaping. By strategically using hardscaping and landscaping elements, you can get the privacy you crave. Keep in mind that if you belong to an HOA, you will need to carefully follow the bylaws and get approval for your project.
RELATED READING: Navigating HOA Rules and the Permitting Process
Here are some of the possibilities for privacy landscaping.
The most common way to add privacy to your backyard is to add a fence. This hardscape element provides privacy and security, as well as providing a way to keep your children and pets in the safety of your yard. There are many upscale privacy fence options, such as cedar fencing, Trex® Fencing, and vinyl fence.
For added privacy at a patio edge or near a dining area, you can add a privacy partition. This may simply be a curtain you draw closed or a permanent structure such as a lattice wall or living wall.
RELATED READING: Sensational Ideas for Building a Living Wall Outdoors
In addition to providing shelter from the sun or a sudden shower, a pergola or pavilion provides privacy from neighbors who might have a view of your yard from above, such as from their deck or a second-story window. A pavilion is a perfect idea to protect your outdoor kitchen, while a pergola can add privacy to a patio or garden area.
Consider adding two pergolas to enclose an area from outside view. This can add architectural interest and create an outdoor “room.”
RELATED READING: Pergola vs Pavilion: What’s the Difference?
Our hardscape ideas such as a fence or pergola(s) add instant privacy. Planting a hedge or wall of trees can take longer unless you install mature plantings. A boxwood hedge or natural border of arborvitae can all be used to add privacy to your backyard.
For privacy year-round, you will want to plant evergreens.
If you like to attract birds and pollinators, you can also utilize tall flowers and shrubs such as:
While the other privacy landscaping ideas we’ve mentioned are about adding privacy from curious eyes, you may also want to avoid close neighbors hearing your conversations. A water feature such as a fountain or pond with a waterfall can be an attractive solution.
A water feature is also a good way to add a private space within your yard where you can relax or meditate in tranquility, or hold a private conversation.
The weather may be cold and dreary, and even snowy, but this is actually a great time to be planning your landscaping upgrades. We’ll take your privacy landscaping ideas and turn them into reality. By starting to plan now, you can help ensure your project gets underway as soon as the weather allows.
To set up a consultation, fill out the contact form or call us at 301.720.1000. We work with property owners throughout the Capital Region, including Maryland, DC, and Northern Virginia.
