Backyard privacy isn’t always easy to achieve. Neighbors seem to have a habit of constantly cutting down trees so that they have a better view of what’s going on in your garden.
The good news is that there are several ways to fight back. Here’s what you need to do:
Add Staggered Wooden Boards
Look for a fence company in your area that will install staggered wooden boards between you and your neighbor. Not only are they a great way to add a boho touch to your garden, but you can also make them tall, blocking out any lines of sight that neighbors might be using to spy on you from afar. What’s more, because the boards are staggered, they create less of an eyesore than traditional six- to eight-foot fencing options.
Grow A Bigger Hedge
Hedges are a great way to achieve privacy because of how subtle they are. Often you can start off with a small, four-foot hedge and patiently grow it to more than eight feet tall, as long as you have the right species. What’s more, because the growth happens slowly over several months, nobody really notices anything is happening, even when the task is complete. Some owners grow their hedges incredibly tall, keeping prying eyes at bay.
Layered Plants
Another strategy is to use layered plants. You start with low-level shrubs and then build your way up to trees at the back. Staggering everything makes the garden look natural. Evergreens should be in the background to provide the maximum level of privacy possible.
Wooden Fence-Topped Stone Walls
Stone walls are attractive, but most are only a couple of feet tall and primarily decorative. Fortunately, you can make them more functional by adding a palisade wooden fence on top, so long as the stone can accommodate it. Adding fencing could easily double the height of the wall, without appearing intrusive or aggressive.
Ornamental Ironwork
For those who have a bigger budget, ornamental ironwork can be extremely effective when adding privacy to your backyard. Typically ironwork sits within masonry walls, making any division between your property and your neighbors’ appear more attractive while, at the same time, blocking line of sight.
If you can, look for salvage ironwork. It tends to look less generic than the modern stuff, and has more character. Old ironwork is more common in cities that are more than a century old, though you can import it out of state.
Pergolas
If neighbors have a view over your backyard from above, say, the second floor of their home, no fence or wall will be high enough to block their line of sight. However, there are still ways to achieve privacy. For instance, building a pergola is a great, low-impact way to shield you from prying eyes looking down on you from above. Staggered wooden sections make it almost impossible to see what you are doing in your outdoor spaces, allowing you to entertain guests without the neighbors seeing who you have over. Pergolas tend to be more attractive than gazebos.
