familyservicehub We love our homes and consider them special. It’s not surprising that we value our privacy, even though we like to be neighbors. Plants can provide privacy for those who don’t like wood or metal fences.
Plants like shrubs and trees make great screens and covers. Plants can be used to create and enhance fences, walls and borders. Their lush foliage can be used as borders to avoid the obvious or obtrusive features of fences or walls (or their cost and upkeep). Here are 3 great ways to add plants around your home for privacy.
Native plants make the best privacy screens
Choose native plant for the longest life and lowest maintenance. Native plants also provide habitats for wildlife in the area (and who doesn’t like to hear birds sing?). Here are some great plants for creating a natural fence. They may or may be native to the area.
- Emerald Arborvitaes grow slowly, but they make great walls that can reach 15 feet in height. Native to the eastern part of Canada, as well as much of north-central and northeastern United States.
- The Skip Laurel is a more manageable plant, but it can still reach ten feet in height. Native to Southeast Europe and Southwest Asia.
- Hedge walls can be created from Holly that have been pruned and managed to provide privacy and decor all year round. Depending on the species, holly is native to many parts around the world.
- In the winter, Redosier Dogwood (red-twig dogwood) sacrifices privacy in favor of curb appeal. The bright red branches are striking, especially when they drop their leaves. Many varieties are natives to North America
- Yews, planted along a fence and allowed to grow without any annual trimming create a dense wall of beautiful shrubbery. Native to Central and Eastern North America, and parts of Europe.
You can choose from a wide variety of trees and shrubs to create a completely private environment. Hedge walls are a great way to add privacy while not blocking out your neighbors. Also, plants can be used to fill in gaps between fences. They also look great when combined with existing fences.
Consider a living fence
living fencing offers many permanent and customizable privacy options. Living fences are easier to create and grow faster than traditional trees.
Think about your privacy goals. Use dense shrubs or bushes to create an impenetrable barrier. Low-cut hedges and natural thickets can create a more ornate and less intimate look by adding depth and coverage.
A living fence has a downside: it takes time to grow. living alternative is a good option in this case. Bamboo is a fast growing grass that can provide shade and cover. It also works well with other plants to create a living system.
trellises, and raised bed can also be used to create natural screens. You can create privacy by using creeping plants like reeds or flowers. Try modular options such as potted shrubs and topiaries. They can be moved to suit your needs such as changing weather conditions or areas that are safe for children.
Planning is more important than a fence if you want privacy.
Privacy is important even if you do not own the property. There are many ways to create privacy in an urban setting. Potted Plants create a beautiful living cover along a balcony. Tall flowers and exotic plants can be used in a small space to replace bushes and trees.
Plan accordingly, and take into account the mature size of the plant. What are the dimensions of the area that you would like to screen out? What is needed to meet your privacy requirements? Perhaps a living screen made of ivy, which allows the sun to shine through? Maybe individual pots filled with bird-friendly flowers. Keep in mind, however, that certain properties, such as apartment complexes and condominiums, restrict balcony plants.
Focus on complementary potting in an urban environment. You can grow vegetables and herbs on your balcony or windowsill, along with flowers. You can, for example:
- Lavender grows easily in pots and smells wonderful!
- Bright flowers, such as Fuchsias can attract birds and insects.
- Ivy on a fence makes an excellent privacy screen.
Plants can be used to create privacy in any space, whether you are a homeowner or a renter.
Plants are a great way to create privacy, whether you live in an apartment or have acres of land. Trees and hedges create impenetrable walls to block unwanted eyes. Many tree- or hedgebased barriers can grow to a height of 10 feet with additional maintenance.
The security provided by trees and shrubs is a great benefit to homeowners. They can be used to compliment existing security measures, and add aesthetically-pleasing curb appeal to an existing wooden or brick fence.
Renters, van dwellers and others without their own home can benefit from plants for privacy. The addition of balcony flower displays to your living space can be beautiful and, if placed on windows or balconies, they will keep prying eyes out.
Privacy doesn’t mean you have to compromise on design. Plant-based privacy solutions offer customization, mobility and peace of mind.
