A property’s landscape is a space to interact with guests, hold events, or a place for customers to wait and relax before or after finishing their business in a commercial establishment. But sometimes it is nice to have an outdoor area that allows for some privacy. Down To Earth brings nine ideas for creating privacy with landscaping in this article to help you seclude your property or sections of your property while also maintaining the aesthetics of your landscape.
Ideas for Creating Privacy
1. Retaining Wall
Retaining walls are known for adding functional value to a landscape, especially a sloped one. They provide structural support to the landscape by preventing soil erosion and also keep dirt and excess water from entering the space. But this is not their only use. One can customize and enhance retaining walls to create privacy walls and make them a part of the landscape.
You can raise the height of the wall, choose to install it with various boulder-type stones of different sizes, use cinder blocks, or match the color of the wall with the rest of your hardscape. This adds aesthetic value and privacy to the landscape along with functionality.
2. Vertical Layering
Vertical layering is another way to add privacy and aesthetic value to a landscape. Vertical layering adds texture and makes a landscape look more vibrant as plants and trees of different heights are placed strategically.
You can layer a landscape to provide privacy by planting evergreen trees (for privacy during all four seasons) or tall hedges along the parts of your perimeter that are particularly open. Follow this up with bushes, shrubs, and ornamental grasses throughout the rest of the landscape in different areas to add visual interest to the landscape and fill in any gaps left by the trees.
3. Roof:
Landscapes are generally exposed to the upper floors of nearby buildings. To create privacy in such an instance, you can seclude certain areas of the landscape by installing a roof in these sections.
These roofs do not have to be only functional; you can style the roof to match the aesthetics of the rest of the landscape. Installing roofs over seating areas provides privacy to the people using these areas and provides shade from the scorching sun during summer, keeping the space functioning throughout the year.
4. Combine Hardscape with Landscape
Combining hardscape with landscape means pairing a privacy wall with vegetation to create a balance between the living and nonliving aspects of the landscape. Instead of creating a very tall privacy wall with small boulders or concrete, you can install the wall as a base and then allow hedges to grow above it or place evenly sized container plantings on top of the wall.
You can even install another fence on top of the wall like a lattice fence and then let vines grow over the lattice to provide complete privacy. How you customize the fence is completely up to your preferences and the existing style of your landscape.
5. Fences
A fence is the most common way to add privacy to a landscape that doesn't have to be limited to a brick wall. There are various fencing styles available to provide privacy and add aesthetic value. Privacy fence styles include horizontal and vertical wooden slats, pallet fences, basket-weave fences, bamboo fences, composite fences, shadowbox fences, panel fences, and closely placed vinyl fences to name a few. You can choose any of these according to your style preference.
6. Hedges
If you want to create a completely natural privacy fence you can do so by planting a hedgerow. Hedges have been used for privacy for centuries. The best part about them is there are generally no municipal ordinances restricting their height.
Hedges are planted with American arborvitae, boxwood, Italian cypress, azalea, loropetalum, spirea, and yew. You can choose any of these according to where you live and how tall you want your hedgerow to be, but remember that hedges will take time to grow and spread. So, it will be a while before you can fully enjoy your natural privacy fence.
7. Water Feature:
If you feel a wall or a simple fence will make your landscape look too unimaginative and dull, you can combine a privacy wall with a water feature for visual interest. A water feature like a fountain will create a focal point for your landscape and mask unwanted sounds from the street or the adjacent building. A water feature benefits a landscape in more ways than one as it also creates a soothing environment apart from adding to the aesthetics of the landscape.
8. Panels and Pergolas:
If you want to create privacy in certain areas, combining pergolas with panels or privacy screens is the easiest way to do so. You can create seating areas with pergolas or install prefab iron gazebos. Surround these with lattice panels on three sides or potted vines hanging from the sides to create a sparse natural screen. For more effective privacy, you can surround the pergola with curtains, a tri-fold screen, a hinged screen, or a decorative screen. If covering the pergola with a lattice panel, allow for vines to grow over it on one or two sides for more privacy and a natural ambiance.
9. Shelved Barrier
Shelved barriers are another privacy landscaping idea that adds aesthetic value to the landscape. If you plan to install a solid wall or wood fence for privacy, you can make it more visually appealing by installing shelves on these barriers.
On these shelves, you can place container plants, flower pots, or any small ornaments that match your landscape’s style to add more personality to your outdoor space.
Conclusion
Privacy can be just as important in your outdoor landscape as it is within the building. If you want to create privacy with landscaping using any of the above or want more ideas regarding the same, contact Down To Earth. Our creative experts design and install fences, plants, and more that match your landscaping style and meet your requirements.