About Backyard Privacy

Backyard privacy is a major concern, especially as more homes are being built so close together. A backyard can be a place where snoopy neighbors are able to spy on us, or it can be an oasis where we can relax and unwind after a long day at work without fear of anyone watching. However, backyard privacy can be difficult when a two-story home is right next door. Regardless, there are many things you can do to ensure backyard privacy.

Benefits

There are many benefits of having backyard privacy. Trees, vines and other plant life are beautiful landscaping additions. Your backyard can be a lovely safe haven that is all your own. Having adequate backyard privacy can encourage you and your family to go outdoors more often. If you feel comfortable in your backyard you are more likely to use this space more often.

Effects

Buy a gazebo. Gazebos provide plenty of shade and cover for optimum backyard privacy. This is a place you can go to drink your coffee or watch the sunset. You can also sit in the gazebo and kiss your mate without the fear of anyone seeing you.

Plant some trees that grow tall along the area of the fence. Bamboo trees are great because they grow very fast. If you don't have a fence, investing in a privacy type (non-transparent) can provide you with additional backyard privacy. If you have a chain link fence you can place bamboo sheeting through the holes.

Considerations

You will need to have a little money to invest to create a private backyard. You can save up for the things you need or gradually buy trees and other items one at a time.

Be sure to buy trees and plants that are native to the area that you live in. If someone in your home has allergies, pay special attention to the trees you select. Additional allergy testing may be needed to determine which trees, shrubs, grass and other plant life to stay away from. Ivy is a plant that grows like a vine, to allow additional cover.

You can also grow hedges if you don't have a fence to create a garden-like fence all around your property. Hedges do need to be trimmed regularly, though, to maintain their shape.

Time Frame

Depending on your budget it can take 1 month or longer to create your backyard sanctuary. If you have the money right away, mature trees and plants can be planted and other landscaping installed within 1 week. A professional landscaping company can help create the environment you want and save you the hard labor that goes into it.

Expert Insight

Frank Contey is a partner of the Landscape Guild in New Jersey. He says "bamboo can be good for privacy when it is used as a screen, but avoid using bamboo as a root barrier. The reason for this is because it is very invasive. When it begins to grow, it can be hard to get rid of." Bamboo can be great, but just don't overdo it. Contey also recommends a shrub called the Prunus Laurocerasus Schipkaensis, a type of cherry laurel, because it is a great cover for additional privacy.

Resources

• About Outdoor Privacy Screens
• Frank Contey