How to Make a Living Wall for Privacy From Your Neighbors' View

Many types of hedges form tall living privacy fences that will block your neighbors' view.

You have probably heard the saying "good fences make good neighbors," but not all fences are the same. Planting rows of shrubs, trees and other plants to create a privacy wall between you and your neighbors is a natural alternative to man-made fences. These types of barriers are commonly called living fences, living privacy fences, living screens and living walls. Before planting your living fence for privacy, there are many factors to take into consideration.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Shovel
• Plants, shrubs and/or trees
• Mulch

Instructions

1. Create a drawing of the location of the living wall that includes details about specific desires or requirements. For example, you will need to use plants that are hardy to your growing zone and fit the sun and shade conditions of your chosen area. You will need to factor in the color of the plant, when it blooms and how fast it grows to determine whether the plant choice is right for your living wall.

2. Make note of the dimensions available at the chosen line so that the height and width of your living wall will remain on your property and not create problems with the upkeep. Know where the exact property lines are and contact local utilities in your area to mark underground lines.

3. Clear all vegetation along the expected living fence line or at each planting site. Dig holes the same depth as the containers or the root systems of the plants you will be transplanting. Space the plants according to the expected full mature size expected, or at the spacing recommended on the plant's label.

4. Backfill the holes and then water the plants well after planting to settle the soil around the roots. Do not add any fertilizer at planting and continue to water the plants regularly for the first season to establish the plants.

5. Add a layer of at least 3 inches of mulch around the base of each plant or along the entire living fence. Extend the mulch out several feet or to cover the canopy line of the plants. Do not place any mulch against the plant's stem or trunk.

Tips & Warnings

• Select trees, shrubs or other plants based on their expected mature size, form and shape. Pick varieties that best fit your needs. Choose plants best suited for your precise location in the country according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zone and the specific location of the wall, such as total space available, full sun or partial shade and moist or dry soil.

• Use fast growing varieties of plants or space plants closer together to make a living wall quickly. Plant several rows along the boundary, or plant layered or tiered groupings of plants at various heights to create a privacy wall of assorted appearances throughout the year.

• Pick plant varieties according to maintenance requirements, such as hedges or trees that don't require regular pruning. If you do not want to deal with excessive litter, avoid messy plants that produce large quantities of fruits, leaves or seedpods.

References

• Virginia Cooperative Extension; Trees For Screening; Bonnie Appleton, et al.; May 2009
• Colorado State University; Creative Screening with Plants; Kathy Brown; January 2010
• Land Steward: Living Fence Shrubs
• North Carolina State University; Planting Techniques for Trees and Shrubs; M.A. Kim Powell; April 1997

Resources

• North Carolina State University; Evergreen Screening Plants; Al Cooke; June 2004
• Better Outdoor Living at Home: Screening with Plants
• The United States National Arboretum: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map