How to Have Privacy in the Backyard Cheaply

Create a more private area in your backyard on a budget.

If your home is your castle, then a barrier is essential--if not for protection, then at least for privacy. The most obvious method of creating privacy in your backyard is putting up fencing. Unfortunately, fencing can be expensive, even if you install it yourself. Alternatives to fencing cost less, the best one depending on your budget, the layout of your backyard and personal taste.

Things You'll Need

• Hedges
• Tall perennials
• Fence panels
• Lattice
• Deck or patio

Instructions

1. Plant hedges around the perimeter of your yard. Many hedges grow to over 5 feet tall and can be quite thick too. If you want to make your border more beautiful, add rose hedges.

2. Plant tall perennials around your perimeter instead of hedges. Creating a few layers of scattered perennials such as bamboo, butterfly bush and joe-pye will give your backyard a more natural look instead of the manicured look of hedges. This method will also be easier to maintain, as hedges will require consistent pruning.

3. Add just a few fence panels to an area of the backyard you'd like to make more private. You can purchase a few solid fence panels from a home improvement store and set them between some posts in your backyard. Create a corner that's sectioned off from your neighbors or even an outdoor room using four to eight panels. This gives you the benefit of privacy without the cost of fencing off your entire yard.

4. Set up lattice screens around your yard's perimeter. These are sections of lattice that can measure over 6 feet high. After setting up the lattice, you can fill in the holes with climbing plants such as ivy or rose vines. If you don't want to cover your entire yard with lattice, you can just set up panels to obstruct your neighbor's view of your yard.

5. Add a deck or patio next to your garage or on the side of your house. Blocking off one or two sides of your entertainment area may give you all the privacy you need.

6. Use small hills in your backyard to your advantage, if you have them. Instead of building a deck or patio connected directly to your house, consider placing it at the bottoms of these hills, which act as natural walls and afford privacy.

References

• MSN Real Estate: 10 Ways to Add Privacy to Your Yard